What to Expect on Safari in the Peak Season

In September, temperatures in Africa continue to rise, and many safari locations are quickly approaching their peak seasons. If you’re travelling between June and October, wherever you go in Africa, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking game viewing, picturesque views, and a memorable safari experience.

Botswana

September is completely dry in northern Botswana, although there may be a few isolated showers in the centre and south. Even in the Kalahari, temperatures rarely drop below 0°C.  Lows are typically between 10°C and 15°C, with the south being a little colder and the north being warmer. By the end of September, temperatures are quite high across Botswana, with average daily highs exceeding 30°C and highs in Maun and Kasane nearing 40°C.

Bostwana is usually bustling with tourists during September through to October because of the pleasant subtropical weather.

The Chobe, Okavango Delta and Linyanti Rivers are particularly stunning in September and October. Thousands of animals, particularly elephants, which may use up to 200 litres of water every day, depend on these rivers for their existence. You will probably see them congragating at the river bank after a long, hot day in search of for food. They frequently rush the last few metres in enthusiasm and fervour, trumpeting madly.The Chobe and Linyanti Rivers are particularly stunning in September and October. Thousands of animals, particularly elephants, which may use up to 200 litres of water every day, depend on these rivers for their existence. Hundreds of elephants congregate near the river after a long, hot day of hunting for food. They frequently rush the last few metres in enthusiasm and fervour, trumpeting madly.

September is a great month for Moremi, but the days are already becoming quite hot. Excellent animal watching is made possible by the sparse, dry vegetation, and the colder mornings and nights are ideal for observing predators as they visit the channels to drink. September marks the peak of the barbell (catfish) run in the Okavango and tigerfish season on the northwest panhandle.

The Kalahari and pans are practically at their driest in September, although the full heat of October has not yet arrived. I t can be difficult to see wildlife in the central and southern parks, the vast golden meadows are nevertheless stunning in their own right. The enormous herds of springbok, oryx, and red hartebeest that still wander the plains are often stalked by the infamous black-maned lions of the Kalahari, which are hiding in the grass. The south and central parks still have a lot to offer and can be more calmer and simpler to reserve at this time of year, even though many people concentrate on the north.

Zimbabwe

Wherever you go in Zimbabwe, temperatures may vary, but parks at lower altitudes, like Gonarezou, which is 666 km from Hwange National Park, may be extremely hot with daily temperatures reaching 30+ degrees. These parks have the advantage of milder morning and evening temps, making even early game drives a pleasant and rewarding experience.

When it comes to the Victoria Falls on the side of Zimbabwe, water levels will be significantly lower than they were earlier in the season, and depending on how dry it has been, they could even be down somewhat in flow. You will be able to clearly see the chasms in the soil heading towards the main mouth of the falls even though there won’t be any waterfall spray (unlike during the rainy season). It’s a terrific opportunity to take some time and explore the adrenaline-pumping activities around the Falls.

The climate in Hwange is mild to warm. September through March are the summer months. The temperature can reach above 40°C/104°F in October, with the days typically averaging 32°C/90°F. The best months for safari and wildlife viewing are July to September. You may find herds of elephants congregating around waterholes and other wildlife species, looking  to cool off.

Zambia

In September, things start to heat up in Zambia, as the temperatures increase and wildlife in Zambia become more and more water-stressed. Fish become more visible when more ponds dry out, making them an easy feast for storks, eagles, and other scavengers. It is also the perfect time for safaris, as both predators and prey prefer to stay close to water-sources.

By the end of September, temperatures can easily exceed 35°C on hot days, with lows at night ranging from 15 to 20°C.

The first wildebeest can be seen at Liuwa Plain National Park as early as September. The adjacent upper Zambezi River offers good fishing, but the warmer days might be difficult due to the blazing African sun. Despite the increasing heat, September is still a good time to go fishing in Zambia, and the majority of lodges provide swimming pools for tourists to cool down in. Lake Kariba is particularly great for fishing.