Botswana has two well-defined seasons – a winter season characterised by dry days and cooler temperatures, and a summer season when the country receives rainfall.
Dry winter season: Extending from April to October, Botswana’s dry winter season is the best time to visit the country for safaris and game viewing, and this period sees peak tourist traffic. June to September is a particularly good time to visit the Okavango Delta as water levels are at their highest.
During this time, daytime temperatures are warm, nighttimes can get a bit chilly, and rainfall is at its least. The lodges get booked months in advance, particularly in and around Chobe National Park. This is the case, especially from June to August. The months of September and October can get very hot, with temperatures ranging from the mid to the high-30s, but it is one of the best times to go to Botswana especially to see big predators.
During September and October, schools of catfish swim upstream to the Okavango Delta and get into a feeding frenzy as they eat smaller fish. From above, this scene, called the Barbel or Catfish run, looks similar to water boiling. It is an excellent time for fishing.
Wet, summer season: November marks the start of the rains, with wet weather conditions extending all the way to March. November is still a good time to visit Botswana as rainfall won’t disrupt your chances of seeing wildlife.
The months with the heaviest rains are December to March, also known as the green season. During this time, the dust settles, and the forest takes on a lush and verdant look. This is the best time to visit Botswana for fabulous bird watching in the Okavango Delta. It is also when you will get to see plenty of baby animals and predator action.
November and December see thousands of zebras migrating through Savute.
Do note that some safari camps close during the rainy months. Also, bear in mind that the wet months attract mosquitos, so if you are travelling during this time, it’s best to talk to your general practitioner about any precautionary measures that you might have to take before visiting Botswana.
Safaris: Botswana’s dry winter from May to October sees animals congregate at water bodies. This, along with sparse vegetation, makes it easy to spot wildlife. Cooler temperatures from June to August make this the best time for a safari in Botswana.
Birding: Though Botswana has no endemic bird species, it provides spectacular bird watching and photography opportunities. The best time to visit Botswana for birding is during its green season, which starts in November and extends till March. The waterways of the Okavango Delta welcome more than 400 species of avifauna during these months.
Watching baby animals: Botswana’s main parks, Chobe, Moremi, and the Central Kalahari welcome new members of elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs during the wet season from November to April. This sets the stage for some exciting predator action, too.
Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is a mesmerising destination no matter the time of the year you choose to go. From June to August, water drains into the Okavango Delta and fills it to the brim, allowing you to go on mokoro rides and boat safaris. High temperatures and dry conditions bring animals to the water’s edge during September and October. Bird watching takes centre stage in the delta during the wet months from November to April.
With wildlife viewing the biggest draw of Botswana, your packing list revolves around what to take for safaris and game drives.
Pack half and full sleeve T-shirts and full-length cargo or hiking pants in muted tones such as khaki, beige and neutral colours. This is so that you can blend into the surroundings.
There is a nip in the air in the mornings and evenings during the winter months, so pack a jacket to keep warm. We also recommend that you take along a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A pair of binoculars will come in handy and help you spot a wide variety of animals and birds during your land and water safaris. Many camps offer walking safaris, so pack a pair of sturdy and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
If you are travelling during the wet summer months, rain gear such as a rain jacket or poncho is essential.
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“The Tsodilo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, estimated to have over 4,500 paintings. This is a mystical place full of intrigue and mystery which holds great religious and spiritual significance to the local people.”
“For those who love to go back to basics and truly be amongst the wilderness, book a camping trip to Kalahari Central Game Reserve, the second-largest game reserve in the world. There are several fossilized river valleys and the reserve is home to a variety of species such as the hyena, aardwolf, oryx, bat-eared fox and ostrich.”
A safari through the bush-covered savannahs combines the beauty of Botswana’s vast and varied landscapes with the awe-inspiring spectacle of wildlife at its most natural.
Our list of things to do in Botswana takes you on a journey across the country’s spectacular landscape, allows you to marvel at the incredible diversity in flora and fauna and delves into its ancient culture.
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