When to Visit Botswana for the Best Safari Experience

If you’re planning a trip to Botswana, timing is everything. This wild and wonderful country offers vastly different experiences depending on when you go—each season unveiling its magic. Let’s take a look at the best time to visit, so you can plan the ultimate safari experience.

Dry Season (April to October): The Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry season is widely considered the prime time for safaris in Botswana. Expect sunny days, cooler nights, and minimal rainfall. With water sources drying up, animals naturally gather around rivers and permanent waterholes, making them easier to spot. It’s during these months that places like Chobe National Park come alive with huge elephant herds, while the Okavango Delta draws lions, leopards, and giraffes to its shrinking water sources. Even the normally arid Makgadikgadi Pans see migratory zebras and black-maned lions.

Top Parks to Explore During the Dry Season

Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta are top choices. Chobe’s riverfront is a magnet for wildlife, and the Delta’s seasonal floodwaters offer thrilling mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions. In Makgadikgadi, dry conditions make wildlife sightings rare and raw, perfect for seasoned safari lovers.

Packing Tips for the Dry Season

Light, breathable layers for warm days and something warmer for chilly mornings and evenings. A good hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves, along with binoculars and a decent camera to capture the action. Even in the dry season, it’s wise to follow malaria precautions.

Wet Season (November to March): A Green, Peaceful Transformation

While not the most popular time for a safari, the wet season reveals a quieter, softer side of Botswana. Afternoon showers turn the landscape lush and green. Though thick vegetation can make wildlife harder to spot, this season is baby animal time—perfect for those who want to see antelope calves and their watchful mothers. It’s also a dream for birdwatchers, with migratory species like flamingos and pelicans arriving in large numbers.

Where to Go During the Wet Season

Moremi Game Reserve offers beautiful scenery as seasonal floods arrive, and the birdlife is spectacular. The wetlands around the Chobe River also thrive during these months, while the Makgadikgadi Pans, now covered in green, attract herds of zebra and wildebeest.

What to Pack for Green Season Travel

Waterproof gear is a must—jackets, boots, and a dry bag for your camera. Temperatures can still be warm, so pack layers you can shed. It’s also worth noting that some lodges may close for part of the wet season, but those that remain open tend to be quieter and more affordable.

Understanding Regional Weather Variations

Botswana’s climate isn’t uniform across the country. For example, the Okavango Delta and Chobe see peak flooding from June to August, making mokoro rides a top activity. In contrast, southern regions like the Central Kalahari are best explored during the dry season when access is easier.

Choosing the Right Season for You

If your dream is to see large concentrations of wildlife with clear skies overhead, go in the dry season. If you prefer fewer crowds, dramatic scenery, and fantastic birding, the green season might surprise you. Either way, Botswana will exceed expectations.

Plan for an Unforgettable Journey

No matter when you visit, Botswana offers extraordinary landscapes, intimate wildlife encounters, and warm local hospitality. The key is choosing the season that aligns with what you want most from your safari. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan a journey tailored to your timing, budget, and sense of adventure.