Botswana’s seasons are reversed because it is south of equator. This makes Botswana’s winter the best season to go on safari. It runs from April to October and features clear skies and drier daytimes.
The Setswana word “Pulu”, which means rain, is a way to describe the way the locals live. They rely on it to grow their crops, and to ensure that the animals and humans they feed survive. Although we might not like the rainy seasons, they are vital for Botswana’s people.
Let’s summarize: The best time of year to travel to Botswana?
The best time to visit is May-September, when there are clear days and cool temperatures. Game drives are best during this time, as you have high chances to see some of the five big cats and beautiful birdlife.
October and April, which are the shoulder seasons between winter and summer respectively, are likely to still have bright, dry days.
Botswana is known for its dry, hot climate that is interspersed with rainy periods throughout the summer.
Botswana seasonal overviews
Botswana is like many safari destinations. There are clear seasons with their pros, and cons. Below is a brief overview of the different seasons and what they mean.
From April through November
The dry season generally occurs between April and November, when you can expect to enjoy clear skies and nearly uninterrupted blue sky. The coolest months are June to August when temperatures in the Kalahari drop below freezing. From September, the heat builds gradually and then peaks in October. In the Okavango Delta, extreme temperatures are less severe and more pleasant. The Okavango Delta’s dry season is triggered by the highest water levels of the year, which are most favorable to wildlife sightings. Because there is less land, terrestrial animals such as elephants and lions will be found in smaller areas than when water levels are higher. Another advantage to sightings is the congregation of animals around existing watering holes due to the dry conditions. Traveling outside the Delta is also easier during dry seasons, as roads and trails are more easily navigable.
December through March
From December through March, it is characterised by cooler temperatures and heavy rainfalls. The wettest months are January and February. Game drives can still be possible despite the short, intense showers that are often followed by bright sunlight and unlikely to last for long. Botswana’s birthing season coincides with these months, which is when many herbivores are in abundance. There is also a lot of young, so there is always the chance of predator-prey interactions. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve has high numbers of game, even with the often dry riverbeds covered by lush grasses. Birdwatchers will find plenty of birds to enjoy thanks to the numerous summer migrants who flock to this area. Photographers have the opportunity to make the most of the exceptional light conditions to capture vibrant colours on the land from their cameras. You will also find great game viewing in the shoulder season of November/December as well May/June in dry season. This is in addition to great value for money because of the lower prices.
Botswana’s best times to visit if you wish to see…
Wild Dogs – Wild dogs are available throughout the year. However, you should avoid November to March when there is a lot of rain.
Big Cats are: They are still around all year. However, they can be difficult to spot due to the heavy rainfalls that occur from November to March. The best months to visit are those with less vegetation, as they have less to hide from the elements.
Zebra Migration: You can find the second largest, but least-known, great mammal movement in Botswana’s saltpans, the zebra. This takes place between March-April.
Meerkats Makgadikgadi Pans offers the best opportunity to see meerkats in Botswana. It is best to visit Botswana in July or September, when the migratory birds have left. You can also quadbike and take bushman walks during this time.
Baby Grazers (for those who are interested in seeing great predator action), May to June is the best time to view young calfs being born. It’s easy picking for Botswana predators.
Water levels in the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s largest attraction. It is one of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. The Okavango River supplies water to the Delta. Its headwaters are in Angola’s highlands. The river travels hundreds of miles before eventually reaching northern Botswana. Each year, the Delta sees between 2,000 and 6,000 square miles of water flowing through it. If you plan a trip to the Delta, you should be aware of the fluctuations in water levels throughout the year.
Water levels in Delta begin to rise around May. This could happen slightly earlier if there were very heavy rains in the region in January and February. Because the Delta is the final destination for the rainfalls from Angola at beginning of the year, water levels rise to their highest point in June and Jul. In August, the Delta begins to see its water levels recede and the cycle begins again. Remember that the highest water level coincides with Botswana’s dry season. Although there will still be water on the ground, the Delta will see very little or no rain.
The Delta’s sand acts as a sponge. Once it has dried, the sand absorbs water quickly. After that, water is absorbed slowly, and there will be less on the surface. This contributes to the rise in water levels during the middle part of the year. Higher water levels mean that wildlife in the Delta is forced to use the land that is higher than water. This makes it easier for them to see the Delta and allows them to enjoy better game viewing. There are also fewer areas where terrestrial animals can be seen. Remember that water levels will rise as you go further north in the Delta, moving closer to Okavango River.
Botswana: Best Times to Go if You Want To Experience…
Botswana’s wildlife and beach combinations: Botswana, which is landlocked, has strong connections with places like Mauritius. Combine Botswana and Mauritius at the best times, May to mid-November.
Bushman walks with the Kalahari bushmen are a unique experience. You can learn their skills and craft – best time to do this is between July and September.
Botswana Safari – Camping: It is a great way to spend time among the wildlife.
The Kalahari Desert Blooms
Mokoro rides through the Delta: The best time to ride is year-round, depending on the water level.
Victoria Falls: The Falls are in full swing between February-August, with their highest water level around May.
Walking Safaris: November-March – Outside of the wet seasons
Botswana, a lively country with many exciting events, is worth a safari. You can find out more and learn about our favorite time to travel.
Events
The second-largest land animal migration in Africa is between January and April. Zebra herds and other herbivores travel to the desert salt pans of north central Botswana, which are regenerated by the annual rains. Chobe National Park is home of an estimated 50,000 Elephants, which are perhaps the most numerous in Africa. The elephants migrate between the park’s southern section during the dry season, and the Chobe Rivers and Linyanti Rivers during their wet season. Botswana’s wild dogs denning season runs from June to September. This is when you have the best chance to spot predators since they will remain close to their dens to tend to their pups.
