Gaborone in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Gaborone

30°C (86°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect game viewing season - dry conditions mean animals gather at permanent water sources like the Chobe River and Linyanti wetlands, making wildlife spotting predictable and rewarding
Ideal weather for outdoor activities - warm days averaging 30°C (86°F) with cool mornings at 12°C (54°F) create comfortable conditions for walking safaris and cultural village visits
Peak wildflower season transforms the landscape - spring blooms cover the Kalahari with purple and yellow flowers, creating spectacular photography opportunities unavailable other months
Lower accommodation rates - September falls in shoulder season before October peak, offering 20-30% savings on safari lodges while still providing excellent wildlife experiences

Considerations

Significant temperature swings require layered packing - 18°C (32°F) difference between morning and afternoon means bringing both winter jackets and summer clothing
Dust levels peak during dry season - fine Kalahari sand gets into everything, affecting those with respiratory sensitivities and requiring protective gear for cameras
Limited green scenery - vegetation remains sparse and brown after winter, lacking the lush landscapes that follow summer rains

Best Activities in September

Chobe National Park Day Safaris

September offers exceptional game viewing as the dry season concentrates elephants, lions, and antelope around the Chobe River. Cool mornings at 12°C (54°F) mean active animals, while afternoon temperatures of 30°C (86°F) drive them to water sources where viewing is guaranteed. River cruises provide close encounters with the world's largest elephant population.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed operators offering full-day packages including transport from Gaborone (typically P1,200-1,800 per person). Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and professional guides. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Central Kalahari Cultural Experiences

September's pleasant daytime temperatures make multi-day Kalahari experiences comfortable, while spring wildflower blooms create impressive backdrops for traditional San Bushmen cultural activities. Low humidity levels mean comfortable camping conditions and clear stargazing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural tours typically cost P2,500-4,000 per person for 2-3 days. Book through operators offering authentic San community partnerships with overnight camping options. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Okavango Delta Fly-in Safaris

While Botswana's Okavango access from Gaborone requires flights, September offers peak game viewing as flood waters recede and animals concentrate. Cool mornings provide active predator sightings, while dry conditions ensure reliable light aircraft access to remote camps.

Booking Tip: Fly-in packages from Gaborone typically range P8,000-15,000 for 2-3 days including flights, accommodation, and activities. Book 30+ days ahead for best camp availability. Current Okavango packages available through booking widget below.

Gaborone Game Reserve Walking Safaris

Just 6km (3.7 miles) from city center, September's cool mornings create ideal conditions for guided walking safaris among giraffe, zebra, and antelope. The 5-square-kilometer reserve offers easy access to wildlife without long drives, perfect for short-stay visitors.

Booking Tip: Walking safari permits cost P50-100 per person with guide fees additional P200-300. Book Easttimor-week through Botswana Tourism offices. Best times are 6:30-9:30am when temperatures remain below 20°C (68°F).

Traditional Village Cultural Tours

September's moderate temperatures make day-long village visits comfortable, coinciding with traditional spring festivals in rural communities around Mochudi and Ramotswa. Visitors experience authentic Tswana culture, traditional cooking, and handicraft demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Village cultural tours typically cost P400-800 per person for full-day experiences including meals and demonstrations. Book through community-based tourism operators 7-10 days ahead. Current village tour options in booking section below.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve Safari Drives

Located 12km (7.5 miles) from Gaborone, September offers excellent rhino viewing as dry conditions concentrate animals around artificial waterholes. Cool mornings provide active wildlife, while the reserve's rehabilitation programs offer educational experiences unavailable in larger parks.

Booking Tip: Game drives cost P150-250 per person with vehicle rental additional P300-500 per day. Self-drive options available with advance booking 5-7 days ahead. Professional guide services add P400-600 per group.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Gaborone Arts Festival

Annual celebration of Botswana's contemporary art scene featuring local painters, sculptors, and installation artists. Gallery walks, artist talks, and traditional craft demonstrations occur throughout the city's cultural district.

Late September

Spring Agricultural Show

Botswana's agricultural communities showcase traditional farming methods, livestock breeding, and seasonal produce. Features traditional food preparation, cattle judging competitions, and demonstrations of drought-resistant farming techniques.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Warm jacket for mornings - temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) making early game drives genuinely cold

Lightweight breathable shirts for afternoons - 30°C (86°F) heat with 70% humidity demands moisture-wicking fabrics over cotton

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover at 1,000m (3,280ft) elevation

Dust masks or bandanas - fine Kalahari sand becomes airborne during dry season, essential for those with respiratory sensitivities

Closed-toe walking shoes - thorns and rough terrain in game reserves require protection beyond sandals

Light rain jacket - 10 rainy days bring brief afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Binoculars - dry season game viewing from vehicles requires magnification for distant animal sightings

Camera lens cleaning kit - dust infiltration requires daily equipment maintenance

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active in humid evening conditions despite dry season

Layers for temperature regulation - 18°C (32°F) daily temperature swings require flexible clothing options

Insider Knowledge

Local 'magwinya' (fat cakes) vendors set up outside game reserves from 6am serving fresh breakfast - cost P5-10 each and provide authentic local experience before safari drives

Kgalagadi Breweries offers September-only seasonal tours coinciding with spring barley harvest - book directly through their Gaborone facility for P150 per person including tastings

Many safari operators offer 'local resident rates' if you have proof of Southern African residence - can reduce costs by 30-40% compared to international tourist pricing

September marks traditional 'bogwera' initiation season in some villages - while ceremonies are private, associated cultural festivals welcome visitors with advance community permission

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists arrive with only summer clothing and suffer during 6am game drives at 12°C (54°F)

Booking accommodation too late - September's shoulder season popularity means better safari lodges fill up 4-6 weeks ahead despite lower rates

Ignoring dust protection for electronics - fine Kalahari sand destroys cameras and phones without proper sealed storage