The ideal time to visit Botswana is during the dry winter season from May to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources, providing exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Many consider June to August the prime months for a safari, with cooler weather and a low malaria risk, making it perfect for game drives.
Your experience in Botswana will also depend on what you want to see. While wildlife may disperse during the rainy season (January to April), regions like Chobe’s Savuti and the Kalahari continue to offer remarkable summer game viewing, especially as they are located along key migration routes, attracting zebra and other wildlife.
January in Botswana brings unpredictable rainfall and occasional heavy downpours, offering a quieter safari experience with lower rates than peak season. While it may not be the most popular month, January is perfect for bird enthusiasts, as the lush landscape attracts an impressive array of bird species.
February, the wettest month of the year, transforms Botswana into a vibrant green paradise, especially in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This month kicks off the antelope breeding season, giving visitors the chance to witness newborns in the wild. Birdwatching is also exceptional, with abundant species in full display against the rich, green backdrop.
In March, temperatures drop slightly, and the rains become steadier, enhancing Botswana’s green landscapes. This is a fantastic time for landscape photography, as the rain reveals Botswana’s dramatic scenery and vibrant plant life.
April to May marks the shoulder season, often regarded as one of the best times to visit Botswana. By April, the heavy rains subside, leaving a lush, green environment that remains ideal for game viewing. The Okavango Delta’s water levels start to rise, and the impala breeding season begins with impressive displays of competition among males. The cooler evenings provide a perfect setting for outdoor dining, relaxing sundowners, and even armchair safaris, adding a touch of luxury to the adventure.
May ushers in Botswana’s dry winter season, perfect for game viewing in mild, dry weather. Campsites and safari parks are less crowded, offering a quieter experience before peak season. Wildlife is abundant in the Savuti region, where large herds of buffalo and zebra roam, and elephant herds return to the Linyati Chobe River System, making May an excellent time for safari enthusiasts.
June is another fantastic month to visit Botswana, marking the start of the peak season later in the month. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, though evenings can be chilly, especially in the Kalahari, where nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing. Be sure to bring warm safari gear for early morning game drives. Advanced booking is recommended if visiting during this popular period, as demand rises significantly.
In July, Botswana’s peak safari season is in full swing. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park are ideal for witnessing Botswana’s diverse wildlife, with animals gathering in large numbers near water sources. Game viewing is extraordinary along the water channels, where you can see iconic African mammals—such as elephants, lions, and hippos—feeding and interacting along the lush waterways.
August in Botswana is exceptionally dry, though occasional brief rain showers may appear in the south toward the end of the month. This period is ideal for safari-goers, with mild temperatures marking the end of winter. Water levels in the Okavango Delta are high, enhancing game viewing along the waterways, where animals gather in great numbers. August also brings the start of the catfish run in the northwest panhandle, a vital water source for the Delta.
September sees the iconic elephant migration to the Chobe and Linyati Rivers, where these magnificent animals rely heavily on water, drinking up to 200 liters daily. With warmer days and sparse vegetation, wildlife is easily spotted, while the cooler mornings provide an excellent time to observe predators in action. The dry environment makes September one of the best months for viewing wildlife in open landscapes.
October is the hottest month in Botswana, yet remains a popular time for safari enthusiasts, particularly along the Chobe River, where large herds of elephants gather by the water’s edge. After six rainless months, clear skies and dry landscapes set the stage for some of the year’s best wildlife sightings. The arid terrain and concentrated water sources make October a prime month for unforgettable game viewing experiences.
When planning to visit Botswana in November, it’s best to keep in mind that this is the start of the spring season. It’s still very hot across the country but soaring rain clouds return, along with a host of migrant bird life. Once the rains do begin, the landscapes are filled with newborn wildlife, frolicking while predators circle. December is the start of the summer season when the grazing land recovers and the greenery is plentiful. Botswana’s three Kalahari parks are arguably at their best in early summer.
