Understanding Botswana’s Safari Seasons

Posted on 30th April 2024

Determining the most appropriate safari option can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Apart from many other obvious questions, almost every client wants to know, what time of the year is most suitable for a safari in Botswana.

We do not really like to label any one of Botswana’s seasons as “good” nor “bad”. Each time of the year has its very own unique flavour. However, there are definitely some key differences that should be taken into consideration.

January to March

Green or Emerald Season

hot days with afternoon thunderstorms (short, torrential downpours)
day time temperatures can still rise as high as 40ºC & night time temperatures drop down to around 20ºC – 25ºC
arid terrain is transformed into a lush paradise with abundant water & food
wildlife flourishes, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting newborn antelopes. The bush feels alive.
dense greenery provides a stunning backdrop which may make spotting animals more challenging
bird enthusiasts can enjoy a myriad of species, especially in the Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve
great value for money safari deals

April to June

Shoulder Season

transition months
receding rains, landscapes are getting dryer
day time temperatures generally reach 25º C, while evening temperatures can drop to around 2ºC – 5ºC
animals in search for remaining water sources start migrating towards the Chobe River & other permanent water sources
amount of travellers starts increasing
depending on exact travel dates and area there are still some good deals to be had.

July to October

High Season

driest time of the year
day time temperatures generally reach 25º C while evening temperatures can be as low as 2º C. Some areas can even plummet below freezing.
water sources become more and more scarce and animals wander to the permanent bodies of water, enhancing their visibility.
the Chobe River hosts Africa’s largest concentration of elephants
water levels of the Okavango Delta are at their highest: the floodwaters arrive in Botswana from the Angolan highlands and transform the Okavango Delta into a myriad of channels, lagoons and islets. An truly extraordinary sight and also visible from Space.
predator activity due to thinner vegetation and prey around water sources is heightened.
animals are in survival mode.
more travellers to be found and therefore often much less availability and high rates.

November to December

Low Season

onset of the wet season
weather is less predictable
day time temperatures can still rise as high as 40ºC and night time temperatures drop down to around 20ºC – 25ºC
days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with afternoon thunderstorms (short, torrential downpours)
birthing season is triggered by early rains
migratory birds return, enhancing Botswana’s rich birdlife
good opportunities to watch predators in action
zebra migration starts – known as the second largest migration in Africa. It starts in the Okavango Delta and ends in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in January.
excellent birdwatching
clear and spectacular lighting for photography
fewer travellers around, with better availability and rates