Because it provides visitors with first-time experiences, Botswana is one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Although Botswana is a popular destination all year round, the ideal time to visit will depend on your interests and the variety of activities you plan to engage in.

Situated in the southern region of Africa, Botswana is one of the tranquil nations you can visit with confidence because of the security measures in place to safeguard both residents and visitors. The two seasons of Botswana—the dry season and the wet season—have a significant impact on when travelers should plan their trip.

The ideal times of year to go on safari in Botswana will be discussed in this article, along with the various sites and things to see and do while there.

Observe Migratory Birds from November to February

For all bird watchers, November through February is the ideal time of year. These months see a lot of rain, so if you enjoy watching games, now is not the best time to travel to Botswana because it will be quite difficult to see the many animal species.

It is difficult to view the animals during this time since they are dispersed, but you can witness the birth of the young calves because this is when the animals give birth and their migrations are beginning. The various bird species and migratory birds that fly into the country during this time will be visible to you.

Take out your binoculars and cameras, and enjoy your time birdwatching in Botswana. Remember to pack for the weather.

The rainy season runs from March to April.

Although the months of March through April are still wet, the rains lessen toward the end of April. Additionally, it is the ideal time to see the many migratory birds, local native bird species, and newborn animals.

Since most animals stay in their habitats since there is ample water and grazing for them, it is difficult for travelers to see the animals during this time due to the heavy foliage. A few predators that prey on the newborns may be visible to you.

Because of the weather, some camps are always closed at this time, while others that are open provide affordable lodging because there aren’t many guests. Thus, this is the ideal time of year to travel to Botswana if you dislike crowds.

Botswana’s Greatest Photography Safari from April to May

One of the greatest periods to travel to Botswana is thought to be between mid-April and mid-May. The seasonal wells and other water sources are beginning to dry up during this time, and the vegetation is also drying up.

As the various creatures begin to emerge from their hiding spots in pursuit of pasture and water, you will be able to observe them. For people who dislike crowds, these months are ideal because the busiest time of year hasn’t begun yet. In pursuit of water, the animals begin to arrive at the Chobe River and Okavango Delta before settling at the Moremi Game Reserve.

The dry season runs from May to October.

This is regarded as Botswana’s dry season and the ideal time of year to visit the country’s several parks. The Okavango Delta is flooded during this time, and you can take a boat ride while seeing the various animals that pass through the Delta. It is regarded as Botswana’s busiest time of year for game parks, and during this time, the parks may be overcrowded and lodging costs are high.

Although the area has dusty roads and is rather dry between June and July, this is the ideal time of year for anyone who enjoys game viewing. Although you should be aware that Botswana experiences very chilly nights during this time, you should bring some bulky clothing and blankets to be warm.

August safari

As the temperature rises, there is an increase in the number of animals in the various wildlife parks. It is advisable that visitors bring adequate clothing for the safari because it is rather hot during this time.

The foliage entirely dries out and the seasonal water holes and other bodies of water become completely dry. The Delta banks are home to a variety of creatures, including lions, buffalos, elephants, antlopes, hippos, and a few predators that come to feed on them.

September through October

Since many of the animals can be observed along the riverbanks in search of food and water, this is also known as the dry season and the ideal time of year to visit Botswana. Therefore, if you can tolerate the heat, this is the ideal time to watch games in Botswana.

After discussing the ideal times of year to go on safari in Botswana, we’ll look at the various locations you may visit both during the country’s dry and wet seasons.

Destinations to see in the dry season

As previously said, Botswana’s dry season is a great time to see game. Here are a few locations you may visit at this time.

Delta of Okavango

The Okavango Delta, a sizable region in the northern Kalahari Desert of Botswana that is gazetted for animal reservations, spans 15,000 square kilometers. When you visit the Okavango Delta, you can do a variety of things, such as:

The Game Reserve at Moremi

The Okavango Delta is home to Moremi Game Reserve, which is smaller than neighboring parks yet boasts a diverse array of wild animals. Lions, elephants, rhinos, cape buffalo, impalas, wild dogs, and other animals can be found there. It was named after the Ba Twana people’s chief, Moremi. There are also more than 500 bird species there.

Savor the walks with the guides.

Your guided hikes in the Okavango Delta, particularly to the Xugana Delta, are enjoyable. When the sun isn’t too scorching, the walks are typically taken in the morning and evening. During your walks, you will experience a variety of features, likely spot some wildlife, such as monkeys, and get a fantastic glimpse of the diverse bird species that call the area home. As you search for a few native creatures, you will also hear the different stories that the tour guides have to tell about the area.

Savor the horseback rides.

The Macatoo camp is where most horseback riding takes place. Horseback riding is necessary if you are an experienced rider, but even those who are not can benefit from a guide’s help.

You may see the animals from a new perspective and reach areas of the Okavango Delta that are not reachable by automobile when you ride a horse. Along the route, you will be able to observe the various flora and fauna, which are often found on the flood plains in the eastern portion of the Delta. This is an experience you should not pass up.

Engage with the elephants.

The several camps in the region allow visitors to get up close and personal with the elephants, learn more about these massive beasts, and even feed them. In addition to learning about their well-being, you will have the opportunity to play with them.

Take pleasure in boat tours and fishing.

When you visit the Okavango Delta, take in the breathtaking Chobe River ride while spotting fish. The Tiger fish is the most often caught fish. After a long day in the hot weather of Botswana, a boat ride will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Destinations to see in the rainy season

During the rainy or wet season, you can visit the same locations as previously described, but you can’t go game watching. The majority of bird species, including migratory ones, congregate in Botswana’s parks during this time of year.

The Kalahari Desert is the ideal destination during this time because of the massive changes it undergoes, particularly during the rainy season. During the wet season, the Kalahari comes to life, and you can observe various plants emerging to accommodate the many species, such as zebras, who may be traveling through the country on their yearly migration.

Even though Botswana is currently going through a drought season, you should still travel there to take advantage of the various attractions that are open all year round. To enjoy your Botswana safari, make reservations in advance, especially during busy times.

A monthly weather guide for Botswana in January

Rainfall is often at its greatest in January, with averages of 100 mm of heavy precipitation falling in unpredictable amounts. Because of this, this month is regarded as off-peak for tourists. However, the majority of safaris are now on sale, making them perfect for tourists on a tight budget.

It is perfect for bird watching because of the long, sunny days that are punctuated by thunderstorms and the easy visibility of numerous migratory birds. In the broad spaces, herbivores and a number of newborn calves are frequently observed grazing on the verdant grasses. This provides predictors with a wide choice of prey to choose from, making it simple to identify any predators pursuing their prey.

February

At this time of year, the sun is high and the days are hot and sunny most of the time. The heavy rains that are accompanied by sporadic thunderstorms are less frequent, which makes it a fantastic time to shoot pictures. The Kalahari’s core region starts to spring to life as the vegetation flourishes, drawing a variety of wild species to the area. The majority of trees in wooded areas bear ripening fruits, which also draw a diverse range of fauna.

March

As the rains have decreased, March brings hotter and dryer days and nights. While nighttime lows can range from fifteen degrees Celsius to ten degrees Celsius, daytime highs often hover around thirty degrees Celsius.

April

Even if the days are nice and sunny in April, the temperature starts to decrease. Despite this, it is still more convenient to travel and more comfortable for tourists to enjoy their vacation than it is in the previous months. Vacationers can now enjoy evening sundowners due to the more favorable temps. Since the breeding season for several antelope species begins in April, it is easy to spot numerous antelopes vying for the attention of females.

May is an excellent season to go on a safari because the rain has stopped entirely, the temperatures are manageable, and the evenings are cool. However, you are encouraged to bring layers, such a jacket or sweater, for the early mornings and evenings.

June

June is midwinter in Botswana; the days are often lovely and warm, making it an ideal time of year for a safari. The water sources in the many wildlife sanctuaries start to dry up due to the lack of rainfall, and numerous animals start to clog the few that are left. The majority of the flora is dried out by the sun, making it simple to identify the various creatures. Remember to pack a jacket or sweater for the chilly mornings and evenings.

July

Although the days are nice and balmy during July, the evenings and early mornings are still rather cold. Although it is the country’s dry season, it’s an exciting time to take a mokoro tour of the country’s many water channels since the water level is starting to rise as it flows from the central Highlands of Angola.

August The month of August sees a return to warmer temperatures, with scorching days and typically dry weather across the nation. While average daytime temperatures rise, nighttime lows in regions such as the Kalahari continue to fall below freezing. Throughout the month, game viewing around water sources continues to be quite rewarding. The catfish run is starting as the month draws to a close, making it an excellent time to catch species like tiger fish. In fact, you’ll notice that most of the houseboats and resorts in the Panhandle are extremely crowded.

September

While there may be a few rain showers in the southern and central regions of the country during September, the north is completely dry. Even in regions like the Kalahari, nighttime temperatures start to increase and rarely go below freezing. Temperatures are pleasant during the day and often cool in the nights, with bright, blue skies. The foliage has almost dried out, the ground is dusty, and water sources are almost completely depleted. As they look for pastures to feed on and water, the wildlife is likewise fighting for its life.

October

This month is the hottest in the nation after around six months of clear skies and little rain, however there are indications that rain is expected in the coming weeks. The majority of tourist activities are suspended in October due to the possibility of noon temperatures exceeding forty degrees Celsius (40°C).

Game viewing is still very impressive, especially near the surviving water sources, even if the heat has usually increased and the roads are dusty and uneven. Large numbers of catfish migrate upstream during this month in order to avoid the delta’s declining water levels. Large numbers of vultures are frequently observed in the water holes, especially in the delta, preying on the fish that are trapped in some of the drained water pools.

December

The region comes alive in December with the return of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The fauna has something to eat as the flora starts to flourish. It’s easy to watch the newborns graze to get energy to protect themselves from predators. Together with January, this month is the wettest in Botswana. The average daytime temperature stays at 40°C despite the rain. The animals spread out across the land as the green season begins this month.

On the Plains of the Kalahari, a number of newborn calves play. As the pans fill with water, wildlife abounds in the central game parks, Nxai National Park, and central Kalahari. As the amount of rainfall increases, many of the roads near the pan get muddy, slick, and occasionally inaccessible. The roads around Moremi National Park are almost unusable due to flooding potholes and fallen trees.