Africa in September
September is still peak season for most African Safari destinations. Where to go depends on what type safari you want and your budget.
Botswana
- Max Day Temp: 33°C
- Min Night Temp: 13°C
- Avg Rainfall: 1mm
Botswana continues to be superb in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Khwai Chobe, Savuti, Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando. Water is scarce and while it is hot and dusty the wildlife viewing is superb in the north.
Wildlife has largely migrated away from the Kalahari and the Pans but each of these destinations still offers cultural and scenic attractions. In the case of the Makgadikgadi Pans, you can quad bike and camp out under the stars.
South Africa
- Max Day Temp: 27°C
- Min Night Temp: 12°C
- Avg Rainfall: 70mm Cape Town, 19mm Kruger
Spring has arrived in South Africa and it is a great time to visit all areas. The wildflowers are in abundance in the Western and Northern Cape, there is land-based whale watching along the garden route and the wildlife viewing in Kruger and the KwaZulu Natal Parks and Reserve is outstanding.
This is also an outstanding time to visit the Central Kalahari to see the magnificent black-maned lions. We run an Trans-Kalahari Expedition every September that explores this amazing area of South Africa and neighbouring Botswana.
Tanzania
- Max Day Temp: 27°C
- Min Night Temp: 15°C
- Avg Rainfall: 30mm
September is a popular month for travel in Tanzania. You might be lucky to see a river crossing as the wildebeest who made it as far as the Massai Mara, risk life and limb to cross back over the Mara River. In Tarangire National Park you will see huge numbers of elephants that have migrated to quench their thirst at the Tarangire River.
If you want to stay well away from the crowds of the northern circuit, the southern parks of Ruaha, Selous and Katavi are outstanding in September. It is also an excellent month to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.
Kenya
- Max Day Temp: 28°C
- Min Night Temp: 10°C
- Avg Rainfall: 30mm
The Maasai Mara still have good numbers of wildebeest which attracts predators. Flamingos can typically be seen in Lake Borgia and Nakuru and Lake Naivasha is excellent for spotting hippo, zebra, giraffe and birdlife. For a quieter experience Matthews Range, Laikipia, Lewa and Samburu all offer excellent game viewing in September.
Uganda
- Max Day Temp: 27°C
- Min Night Temp: 17°C
- Avg Rainfall: 91mm
September is the last month Uganda’s long dry season and as the month goes on you can expect more frequent heavy showers. Regardless it is still an excellent time to visit for tracking gorillas and chimps and viewing wildlife.
Zimbabwe
- Max Day Temp: 34°C
- Min Night Temp: 13°C
- Avg Rainfall: 1mm
By September Elephant numbers have swelled in Hwange. Game viewing is excellent as wildlife congregates at water sources. It is also a great time to enjoy fishing and low-water white water rafting on the Zambezi River.
Zambia
- Max Day Temp: 35°C
- Min Night Temp: 15°C
- Avg Rainfall: 2mm
Zambia continues to deliver on wildlife on game drives and walking safari in September. Do think about how you cope with heat though before looking at booking a walking safari. For some people it is just too hot.
Devils Pool and Livingstone Island can be visited (book in advance) but the actual falls are often better viewed from the Zimbabwe side by September as water levels lower.
Namibia
- Max Day Temp: 27°C
- Min Night Temp: 11°C
- Avg Rainfall: 1mm
Etosha continues to be superb but busy especially at the beginning of the month during school holidays. However, Namibia’s appeal is so much more than wildlife and the landscape are stunning. Be prepared for dust and sand to get everywhere as it has now been months since there has been any significant rains.
Mozambique
- Max Day Temp: 29°C
- Min Night Temp: 18°C
- Avg Rainfall: 20mm
Lots of sun, blue skies, sandy white beaches, fishing, snorkelling and diving. Add to that colourful markets and delicious food. Why wouldn’t you visit Mozambique in September?
India in September
- Max Day Temp Delhi: 34°C
- Max Day Temp Mumbai: 31°C
- Max Day Temp Kochi: 30°C
- Max Day Temp Kolkata: 33°C
Till mid September you can still visit Leh in the far north without the crowds. South-eastern Rajasthan is particularly beautiful at this time of year as everything is lush and green and the lakes and rivers are full. It is still largely off the beaten-track with family run heritage properties.
Depending on the lunar calendar a number of major festivals are sometimes celebrated in September. Most commonly Ganesh Chaturthi in west and central India – the biggest celebrations being in Mumbai. In Kerala there is the Pulikali Tiger Dance in Thrissur, where artists completely paint their bodies to represent tigers and dance to traditional percussion instruments.
