Seasonal Guide: Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana for a safari is from May to September, during the dry season. The dry season coincides with the floodwaters reaching the Okavango Delta, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem that attracts a wide array of wildlife, from large mammals to diverse bird species. The weather during these months is generally mild and dry, with cooler nights and warm days, providing comfortable conditions for safari-goers.
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Best
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Good
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Mixed
January
January in Botswana is marked by hot and wet conditions, as it falls within the green season. The heavy rainfall rejuvenates the landscape, bringing a burst of new life and lush greenery. This is an excellent time for bird enthusiasts to visit, with migratory species present and many birds in breeding plumage. Wildlife can be more challenging to spot due to the dense vegetation and widespread available water sources.
February
Continuing the green season, February sees Botswana under the influence of frequent rains, leading to lush landscapes and abundant water sources. The Okavango Delta and other areas remain vibrant with life. This period offers a unique opportunity for photography, with dramatic skies and a flourishing natural world. The wildlife, including newborn animals, is spread out, and while game viewing can be unpredictable, the environment’s natural beauty is at its peak.
March
As the rains start to lessen in March, Botswana begins its gradual transition from the wet to the dry season. The landscape remains green and full of life, with the water levels in rivers and the Delta still high. This month offers a blend of the green season’s vitality and the approaching ease of wildlife viewing as animals start to gather around shrinking water sources.
April
April in Botswana marks the end of the green season, with diminishing rainfall and the landscape starting to dry out. The cooler temperatures and reduced humidity improve comfort for visitors. Wildlife becomes increasingly visible around remaining water sources, including the Okavango Delta, which continues to attract animals with its water levels sustained by the seasonal floods.
May
The onset of the dry season in May significantly transforms Botswana’s safari landscape. Water will become scarce in many areas, except for the Okavango Delta, where the floodwaters will begin to increase. This contrast creates exceptional conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals begin congregate around the Delta. The weather is cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, making safari activities more pleasant.
June
June sees Botswana fully immersed in the dry season, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The Okavango Delta is a hive of activity, its floodwaters supporting a rich ecosystem. This is an ideal time for game drives and mokoro (canoe) excursions in the Delta. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers stark beauty and the chance to see desert-adapted species thriving in the cooler winter conditions.
July
July is one of the best months for a safari in Botswana, with dry weather, cool temperatures, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The Okavango Delta is at its fullest, drawing a diverse array of animals. The Makgadikgadi Pans also offer unique experiences, with seasonal migrations and interactions. Night temperatures can drop significantly, so visitors should pack accordingly.
August
The peak of the dry season in August guarantees exceptional game viewing in Botswana. The dwindling water sources outside the Delta intensify wildlife concentrations, offering spectacular sightings. The weather is warming up, but nights remain cool. The visibility in wildlife areas is at its highest, with sparse vegetation and open landscapes.
September
In September, the temperatures in Botswana begin to rise, heralding the approach of the hot season. Wildlife viewing remains outstanding, with animals still reliant on the Delta and other water sources. This month can be particularly rewarding for sightings of predators and large herbivores. The increased heat towards the end of the month however, can be uncomfortable in the middle of day.
October
October is generally the hottest month in Botswana, with high temperatures challenging for some visitors but rewarding for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. The extreme heat and dry conditions maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals are drawn to the few remaining water sources. This is a dramatic time to visit, with intense game-viewing experiences, but can be uncomfortable for some.
November
The arrival of the rains in November brings relief to Botswana’s parched landscapes, triggering the start of the green season. This transition month can offer the best of both worlds: the last of the dry season’s excellent game viewing and the beginning of the landscape’s transformation. Migratory birds start to arrive, adding to the biodiversity on display.
December
December in Botswana is characterized by increasing rainfall, lush landscapes, and a resurgence of life. The early stages of the green season see animals dispersing due to the abundance of water and vegetation. This month offers a festive atmosphere, vibrant birdlife, and the beauty of a rejuvenated natural world, though game viewing can be more challenging due to the denser foliage and widespread water sources.
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