Best Time to visit Botswana

Best Time for a Botswana Safari Holiday

Best Time to visit Botswana for safaris

Best time for safaris and holidays in Botswana

Botswana is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, known for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and commitment to sustainable, low impact tourism. Unlike more commercialized safari regions, Botswana focuses on high quality experiences in private concessions and remote areas, offering travelers an exclusive and intimate connection with nature. The country’s vast and varied landscapes, ranging from the lush Okavango Delta to the arid Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, create a rich habitat for diverse wildlife, including the Big Five and endangered species like wild dogs and cheetahs.

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the jewel of Botswana’s safari circuit. It is one of the few inland deltas in the world and is fed by seasonal floods from Angola, transforming the area into a vibrant, life-sustaining ecosystem. Travelers can explore its channels and lagoons by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), go on guided bush walks, or enjoy game drives in nearby concessions. Beyond the Delta, Chobe National Park boasts one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, while Moremi Game Reserve and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offer exceptional game viewing and birdwatching opportunities.

What sets Botswana apart is its emphasis on luxury wilderness experiences and conservation focused tourism. Many camps and lodges are eco-conscious and situated in private concessions, where visitor numbers are strictly limited. This ensures an uncrowded safari experience and contributes significantly to local communities and conservation efforts. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of predator sightings or the serenity of a sunset over the Delta, Botswana offers a safari experience rooted in authenticity, solitude, and exceptional biodiversity.

Luxury Safaris - African Safaris - Safaris and Tours - Cheetah Safaris

Looking For a Safari?

Explore our more than 70+ Luxury Safaris in Africa. You can as well get in touch with us for a tailor made Safari adventure with us.

Explore our Safaris
Speak to An Expert

Month by month Botswana guide

month by month Botswana safari guide

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.

Best Time To Visit Botswana

brief travel guide to Botswana for holidays

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.

Detailed Month by month Travel guide

Botswana TRAVEL GUIDE - best safari guide to Botswana

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

Green Season (Wet)

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

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.

What to do in January

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Chobe and Moremi

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.

January Safaris
Botswana Safaris in January - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in January - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

February

Green Season (Wet)

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

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.

What to do in February

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Chobe and Moremi

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.

February Safaris
Botswana Safaris in February - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in February - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

March

Green Season (Wet)

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

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.

What to do in March

Best for a Safari in Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.

March Safaris
Botswana Safaris in March - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in February - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

April

Shoulder Season (End of Wet Season)

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

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.

What to do in April

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.

April Safaris
Botswana Safaris in April - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris (2)
Botswana Safaris in April - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris (2)

May

Shoulder Season (Start of Dry Season)

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

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.

What to do in May

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
May Safaris
Botswana Safaris in May - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in May - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

June

Dry Season (High)

Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C

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.

What to do in June

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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 Safaris
Botswana Safaris in June - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in June - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

july

Dry Season (High)

Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C

July is one of the driest and coolest months in Botswana. The Okavango 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.

What to do in july

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
july Safaris
Botswana Safaris in July - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in July - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

August

Dry Season (Peak)

Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C

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.

What to do in August

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
August Safaris
Botswana Safaris in August - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in August - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

September

Dry Season (High)

Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C

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.

What to do in September

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
September Safaris
Botswana Safaris in September - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in September - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

October

Shoulder Season (Hot, Start of Green Season)

Temperatures:- High of 35°C and lows of 24°C

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.

What to do in October

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
October Safaris
Botswana Safaris in October - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in October - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

November

Shoulder Season (Early Rains Begin)

Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C

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.

What to do in November

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

While the 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 who don’t mind a chance of rain in exchange for quieter safari lodges.
November Safaris
Botswana Safaris in November - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in November - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

December

Shoulder Season (Early Rains Begin)

Temperatures:- High of 28°C and lows of 18°C

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.

What to do in December

Best for a Safari in Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe and Moremi

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.
December Safaris
Botswana Safaris in December - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Botswana Safaris in December - Best time to visit Botswana for Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

Pack For a Purpose

Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids. 

Our Safari Impact

Let us help you customize your trip

Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.

Talk to an Expert

Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. We’ll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.

Prepare for your trip

Our Safari experts will be of help in planning your safari from start to end. They will advise you on all that you need to pack and travel documents, too. They will be ready to answer any queries you have.

When you return

We would love to hear from you about your trip with us. Your feedback will help us always work better and try to be the best. You can leave your review on our Reviews Page or TripAdvisor Page. 

Partners / Memberships

People who always support and endorse our good work

ATTAn - Cheetah Safaris
TRA_Logo
TripAdvisor_Logo
Color Yellow Accent Pack for a Purpose 2048x1229 1
AMREF flying doctors
rescue.co logo
Search

Make a Quick Enquiry