Where to go in September
The best places to explore at this time of year
The best places to explore at this time of year
The connoisseur's month when experiences reach peak quality as crowds vanish. Indonesia remains gloriously dry while Madagascar's forests fill with impossibly cute baby lemurs. Bhutan returns to trekking perfection with crystal mountain views across golden valleys.
September is one of the best months to explore Madagascar. The dry weather makes travel easy and national parks accessible, while the forests are alive with lemurs, reptiles, and rare birds. It’s also a wonderful time to visit the beaches of Nosy Be or the dramatic stone forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha. From baobabs to baby sifakas, Madagascar is wild, warm, and totally unforgettable this time of year.
If you’re after a wild, authentic safari, Zambia in September is hard to beat. The dry season is in full swing, and water is scarce, meaning animals gather in enormous numbers around the remaining waterholes. The South Luangwa is legendary at this time of year and it’s a good time to spot elusive leopards. It’s also prime time for walking safaris, which were pioneered in the country and still offer one of the most intimate ways to experience the bush. For a little ‘beach time’, combine Zambia with Lake Malawi for kayaking, snorkelling, or some good old-fashioned R&R on the golden sands edging the lake.
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September marks the return of Bhutan’s autumn trekking season. The skies are crisp and clear, the rice fields golden, and the Himalayan views heart-stopping. Cultural festivals begin to bloom in the valleys, and the hiking trails—from the Tiger’s Nest to the remote Bumthang region—are in pristine condition. It's a month where Bhutan feels both festive and meditative.
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Namibrand, Namibia
