Botswana Safari in December

December brings a good chance of rain, with heavy showers usually popping up in the afternoons. It’s the last month in the second shoulder season before Botswana re-enters its low season. While the game life might not be as bustling this month, the zebra migration is a must-see!

If you’re looking for an exciting spot to explore, don’t miss Nxai Pan National Park. It’s a lovely place to see giraffes, springbok, and hartebeest in their natural habitat.

Weather in December

Dark thunder clouds forming over Chobe National Park in Botswana — December brings a good chance of rain and heavy showers | Photo: nini via Getty

Temperatures start to cool from the previous high months. Rain is much more prevalent, and the wet weather can make wildlife viewing challenging. Heavy thunderstorms occur for short periods, but this often brings a welcome drop in temperatures.

Average Weather in December

Temperature	Celsius	Fahrenheit	Rainfall
Min	19℃	66℉	2.6 inches
Max	33℃	91℉	6.3 inches

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Destinations to Visit in Botswana During December

Zebras pictured in Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana | Photo credit: Nxai Pan Camp — During the wet months, animals migrate to the pans | Photo credit: Nxai Pan Camp

Linyanti Reserve

The Linyanti Reserve houses four of the Big Five. In December, animals such as zebras are more prevalent, as the zebra migration tends to occur during the wet months. This is the start of their migration, which ultimately ends at Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Nxai Pan National Park

During the wet months, the animals migrate to the plains, and since the parks in Botswana aren’t fenced, the wildlife experience is authentic. Elephants and lions are present here, as well as giraffes, springbok, hartebeest, impala, and oryx. While December is part of the wet season, this month is the best time to see wildlife in Nxai Pan National Park. Herbivores give birth to their young, which attracts predators.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The rainy weather makes it a perfect time to visit Makgadikgadi Pans if you want to go on a safari to see birds. At this time, flamingos are thriving, and the wet weather is always an excellent opportunity for photography.