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Botswana’s safari calendar revolves around its distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry months (especially June to October) are ideal for game viewing, while the green season (November to March) offers rich birdlife and lush scenery, with better rates and fewer visitors. Choosing when to go depends on your priorities, whether it’s witnessing the famous elephant herds of Chobe, exploring the Delta’s waterways, or enjoying a quiet, scenic escape into the wild.
Each month in Botswana brings unique experiences, from the dramatic predator-prey interactions in the dry season to the lush, green landscapes and bird migrations of the rainy season. The month by month format allows travelers to align their trip with the best possible conditions for their interests, be it photography, game viewing, birdwatching, or cultural encounters. This structure also ensures travelers are aware of road accessibility, flood timing, and lodge availability in each season.
LOW SEASON:
December – March
Botswana’s green season is marked by rains, high temperatures, and abundant greenery. While game viewing can be more challenging due to thick vegetation and dispersed wildlife, this is a fantastic time for birdwatchers as migratory species arrive in droves. The scenery is beautiful, lodges offer lower rates, and there are fewer tourists. It’s also calving season for many herbivores, which attracts predators. However, some remote areas may be difficult to access due to flooding or poor road conditions.
high SEASON:
July – October
This is the best time to visit Botswana for classic game viewing. The dry season is in full swing, vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around water sources, especially in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and Moremi. Wildlife sightings are frequent and dramatic. However, due to demand, this is also the most expensive time to travel, and early booking is essential, particularly for luxury camps in private concessions. The weather is dry and pleasant, with cooler nights and sunny days.
PEAK SEASON:
April – June & November
These transitional months offer a blend of experiences. April and May still have some residual rains and greenery, while June marks the drying up of the Delta’s floodplains and the return of high game concentrations. November is hot and humid, signaling the start of the rains, and is a unique time to witness the first showers revitalizing the land. These months are perfect for travelers seeking value and diversity without the heavy crowds of high season.
Botswana’s climate and safari experiences are deeply influenced by seasonal changes, especially the arrival and retreat of rains and floodwaters. The month by month travel guide offers a detailed breakdown of how weather patterns, water levels, and wildlife behavior shift throughout the year. This helps travelers choose the most suitable time to visit based on their preferences, whether they want to witness dramatic game migrations, enjoy water based safaris, or take advantage of quieter months for more privacy and discounted rates.
January in Botswana falls deep within the rainy season. The landscapes are transformed into a lush, green paradise, with vibrant vegetation, dramatic cloud formations, and the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. Daytime temperatures can be high, often reaching over 30°C (86°F), with high humidity levels. While road access to some remote camps may be limited due to muddy conditions, the Delta is particularly scenic during this time, and the bush feels alive with energy. Animals may be more scattered due to the abundance of water, but the scenery is captivating, and the air is fresh.
This is a fantastic time for birdwatching, as migratory species are present in large numbers. Keen photographers can capture beautiful contrasts, stormy skies over emerald green plains, and dramatic lightning shows at dusk. It’s also calving season for antelopes like impala and lechwe, which draws predators and offers thrilling action for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors who don’t mind a bit of rain will enjoy fewer tourists and more affordable rates at lodges.
February brings continued rains and high humidity, with the environment still rich and green. The Delta’s floodwaters haven’t arrived yet, but rainfall across the country contributes to standing pools and full rivers. Vegetation is dense, which can sometimes hinder wildlife sightings, but the vibrant scenery more than makes up for it. Roads may still be difficult to navigate, especially in remote areas or parks with black cotton soil like Savuti.
This month is still prime for birdwatching and photography. Animals like zebras and wildebeests are calving, and predators are ever present, capitalizing on vulnerable young. For travelers seeking solitude, February is peaceful, wild, and less expensive. Cultural tours, mokoro excursions in the permanently flooded areas, and lush nature walks are ideal activities during this tranquil period.
March signals the tail end of the rainy season. While rain can still fall, it begins to taper off toward the end of the month, and daytime temperatures remain warm. The air is clear, and the scenery remains green and alive with new life. Many animals have young calves or foals in tow, and birdlife is still abundant. March also sees fewer thunderstorms and more sunshine compared to earlier months.
This is a good time for game drives in accessible areas and scenic photography. It’s also a transitional period when some camps start preparing for the dry season ahead, offering early-season deals. Guided walking safaris, birding excursions, and quiet boat trips are particularly enjoyable, as the parks are uncrowded and the weather gradually stabilizes.
April marks the beginning of Botswana’s dry season. Rainfall drops significantly, and the bush begins to thin out slightly, improving visibility during game drives. Temperatures are comfortable during the day, though evenings can begin to cool. The skies are typically clear, and the landscape still retains a rich green hue from the recent rains.
This month is excellent for exploring the Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Pans, and Moremi Game Reserve, where animals start gathering in more concentrated areas. It’s a quieter time with pleasant weather and increasingly good wildlife viewing. It’s also a great opportunity for those seeking quality safaris before high season rates kick in. April also marks the start of some mobile safaris and special bush camp reopening’s.
May is the true onset of Botswana’s dry season. The rain is gone, and temperatures begin to cool more noticeably, particularly at night. The bush continues to thin, and animals start moving toward permanent water sources. Game concentrations increase gradually, and predator sightings become more frequent as vegetation reduces.
Safari conditions improve significantly this month. Game drives are more productive, and photographers will enjoy clear skies and soft, golden morning light. Boat safaris and walking tours become increasingly popular. While prices may begin to rise toward the end of May, it still offers a more affordable and peaceful alternative to the upcoming peak months.
June is the beginning of peak safari season in Botswana. The floodwaters from Angola start to reach the Okavango Delta, creating a remarkable contrast: the Delta fills while the rest of Botswana gets drier. Temperatures are cooler, especially in the early mornings and evenings, sometimes dropping below 10°C (50°F). Days are clear, sunny, and crisp.
This is an ideal month for mokoro rides in the Delta, with high flood levels perfect for exploring the intricate channels and lagoons. Game viewing continues to improve, particularly in Moremi, Chobe, and private concessions. Lodges begin to fill up, so booking early is advised. Wildlife photography, traditional canoe excursions, and predator tracking are top experiences in June.
July is one of the driest and coolest months in Botswana. The Delta is in full flood, making water based activities like mokoro safaris and boat cruises exceptional. Wildlife viewing is at its finest as animals congregate around rivers, channels, and lagoons. Visibility is excellent, and predator-prey interactions become more common and intense.
This is one of the best months for a Botswana safari. Visitors can explore the Delta’s vast channels or head to Chobe National Park, where huge elephant herds gather along the riverbanks. Game drives, bush walks, and sunset cruises are at their peak. This is also a great time for combining Botswana with Victoria Falls, which remains spectacular through July.
August continues Botswana’s prime safari season, with dry, warm days and cold nights. Wildlife activity is high, and animals are easy to find due to the limited water availability in much of the country. Vegetation is sparse, allowing for excellent visibility on game drives. The Delta remains flooded, offering diverse land and water safari experiences.
In addition to game viewing, visitors can enjoy high-adrenaline moments as lions, leopards, and wild dogs actively hunt. Fly-in safaris to private concessions ensure privacy and access to remote, exclusive areas. This is also a great time to witness zebras migrating through the Makgadikgadi region, especially in the western pans. Helicopter tours and scenic flights are highly recommended this month.
September is dry and hot, signaling the end of winter and the transition toward the pre-rainy season. Temperatures rise during the day but remain comfortable, and the wildlife action remains at a peak. Water sources are at their lowest, drawing animals in massive numbers to rivers and waterholes. The scenery is golden and dusty, adding a dramatic tone to safari photography.
This is the perfect month for travelers who want guaranteed big game sightings. Chobe, Savuti, and Linyanti are spectacular now, especially for elephants, lions, and large herds of buffalo. As the Delta’s water levels begin to recede slightly, access by vehicle improves, expanding exploration opportunities. Safari lodges are in full swing, offering unforgettable experiences.
October is Botswana’s hottest month, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Despite the heat, it’s one of the best months for wildlife viewing, as animals are concentrated in incredible densities around the last remaining water sources. The Delta starts to dry out, but wildlife remains abundant.
This month is ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Expect intense predator activity, epic game viewing, and fewer vehicles compared to July and August. Early morning and late afternoon drives are more comfortable due to the heat, and night drives offer a chance to see nocturnal species. Though not the easiest weather-wise, October delivers exceptional safari drama and raw wilderness experiences.
November marks the start of the green season. Temperatures are still high, and the first rains begin to fall. The bush responds quickly, plants green up, flowers bloom, and the first migratory birds begin to arrive. Wildlife disperses as water becomes more readily available in the bush.
While game is more scattered, this is a great time to visit for dramatic landscape changes and fewer tourists. Calving season begins again, drawing predators to young and vulnerable prey. Birdwatchers enjoy the growing variety of species. November is also ideal for visitors seeking value and don’t mind a chance of rain in exchange for quieter safari lodges.
December brings steady rains, lush vegetation, and a burst of life across Botswana’s landscapes. The Delta’s seasonal flood has fully receded, but rainfall rejuvenates pans and floodplains. Wildlife spreads out and becomes harder to spot, but the birthing season for many animals is in full swing, creating exciting predator encounters.
Safari-goers can enjoy a completely different side of Botswana now, green, teeming with young animals, and echoing with birdsong. Rain showers are typically brief and dramatic, adding to the experience without ruining activities. Photographers will appreciate the vivid colors and changing skies, while travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic safari away from peak crowds will love the festive, wild feel of December.
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