Best Time to Visit Botswana

Going on a Botswana safari in February is unique. Since calving season occurs in January, you can see animals with their young in February. You can be sure that with all this prey, predators will be on the prowl, especially in the Okavango Delta. However, the lush vegetation will make it a bit difficult to spot wildlife. In the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan, meanwhile, migratory birds will still be enjoying the seasonal floodplains that also attract tens of thousands of zebras, wildebeests, and other antelope species.

Weather in February

The rainy weather persists during February but begins to lessen slightly as the month goes on. While game viewing improves in some regions, wildlife in the north of Botswana remains dispersed due to abundant water. This means wildlife only moves around occasionally to find water to drink. However, minimal wildlife presents epic bird-watching opportunities. You’ll also get to witness part of the zebra migration in the Kalahari. Travelling to Botswana in February definitely has its perks!

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During February

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The summer rains bring a thin layer of water to the Makgadikgadi Pans, attracting huge numbers of migratory waterbirds like flamingos and pelicans. In contrast to less arid parts of Botswana, summer is an exciting time to visit this region, especially to witness the epic zebra migration.

Moremi Game Reserve

February is the perfect time for a birding safari in Botswana, as the wet season generally instigates bird migration. Spot birds like the African fish eagle, African skimmer, green-winged pytilia, and southern bee-eater, all residents of the magnificent Okavango Delta, where Moremi lies.

Nxai Pan National Park

February is one of the best times to visit Nxai Pan National Park. Although it’s not a Big Five safari destination, elephants and lions are present, as are giraffes, impala, springbok, red hartebeest, and migratory birds.

Activities to Do in Botswana During February

• See the zebra migration
• Game drives
• Birding safaris
• Photographic safaris

The perks of travelling at this time of the year include seeing the zebra migration in the pans and elephants scooping up the fallen fruits in the Okavango Delta. Zebra sightings mean good lion sightings on your safari tour as well. Zebras and elephants, among the many animals that are around, stick to water sources to drink – including the seasonal waters of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Weather in March

The rain decreases in March, and the weather is humid and warm. Thunderstorms occur occasionally, primarily sticking to the afternoons. Some lodges in Botswana remain closed until the muddy conditions subside.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During March

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

March gives way to stunning desert scenery and the opportunity to see black-maned lions. Although humid, this season lets you see well-fed predators roaming the grounds. There are many baby animals in the reserve, as well as migratory bird species which make for spectacular birdwatching safaris in Botswana.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

March is an excellent time to see birds such as flamingos at Makgadikgadi Pans. Even though it’s still the wet season, game sightings are common as throngs of herbivores gather to enjoy the fresh grass.

Chobe National Park

March is an excellent time to visit Chobe National Park. The park is unique because it has two notable areas: the Chobe Riverfront and the Savuti. Birdwatchers will love seeing the spectacular bird migrations that happen here.

Activities to Do in Botswana During March

• Birding safaris
• Game drives
• Boat safaris on the Chobe River
• Zebra migration safaris

April marks a significant transition in the natural landscape as the rainy season concludes and the skies clear. Botswana has now entered its “shoulder season” for travel; its habitats are still green and lush from the summer rains, as the dry season hasn’t fully taken hold yet.

The month is particularly advantageous for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Early mornings and evenings are the most active times for game drives, presenting ideal conditions to witness interactions between predators and their prey. Bring along your binoculars to enhance your experience of the natural world during this dynamic season.

Weather in April

April begins to dry up, with only occasional rains. During the wet season, wild animals can be harder to spot, but as the weather improves in Botswana, so does the game viewing.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During April

Makgadikgadi Pans

Suitable to visit all year round, the Makgadikgadi Pans is a safari destination where you can see lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas, among other wild animals. April is the tail end of the wet season here, so some migratory birds and animals will begin making their way to their next destinations.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

Linyanti houses four members of the Big Five: buffalos, elephants, leopards, and lions. Situated in a corner of Chobe National Park, this wetland paradise includes a huge swamp, with narrow waterways providing ideal habitats for incredible birdlife, massive numbers of elephants, and river-dwelling creatures like crocodiles and hippopotamuses.

Chobe National Park

This month marks the start of the dry season in the north of Botswana, meaning wildlife becomes easier to spot. Chobe is a fantastic place to see large African animals such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, and zebras. It’s also a great spot to see rarer animals, such as wild dogs.

Activities to Do in Botswana During April

• Game drives
• Birding safaris
• Walking safaris
• Night game drives
• Zebra migration safaris

May marks the quiet rise of Botswana’s dry season, a perfect golden window between the lush green season and the busy safari months to come. It’s one of the best times to visit Botswana if you’re looking for warm, clear skies and tranquil reserves before the peak-season crowds arrive.

During this transitional month, the rains fade, and you’ll watch the landscapes shift from vibrant greens to soft golds as wildlife begins to cluster around permanent water sources. This perfect equilibrium of comfortable temperatures, serene reserves, and prolific game viewing is the unique May safari rhythm. If you’re debating when to go on a Botswana safari, May offers a sophisticated blend of value, intimacy, and world-class sightings.

Weather in May

May is pleasantly dry, offering crisp air at dawn that quickly yields to mild afternoons, which are perfect for game drives. You can expect average daytime highs around 28℃ and lows near 9℃, with minimal rainfall.

Dawn freshness is ideal for those early morning excursions, while the midday warmth brings life to the plains.

This transitional weather, neither too hot nor too cold, too dry nor too wet, makes it one of the best times to travel to Botswana for moderate temperatures and reliably clear, sunny days. It’s certainly one of the best times of year to visit Botswana before the intense heat of the later dry season settles in.

Botswana Safari in May – What to Expect

As the dry season begins, water becomes scarcer, and animals naturally move closer to the reliable water channels in the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. The dense, green bush starts to thin, offering unparalleled visibility. Game viewing begins to improve dramatically, particularly for spotting big cats and large herds on the move.

May is the best time to visit Botswana for safari before prices and visitor numbers peak from June onwards. You’ll find quieter camps and a more intimate experience, making it the best time for a Botswana safari for discerning travellers seeking exclusivity without the bustle.

Where to Go for a Luxury Botswana Safari in May

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

For a deeply evocative experience, clear skies and cool nights make the Kalahari a standout in May, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is an alluring destination. The grass is thinning, revealing predators and large herds moving across the open plains. The key is to dress in layers: desert nights can be cold, but they are incredibly rewarding under an enormous, starlit sky. Desert exploration in Botswana is fantastic during this time of the year.

Okavango Delta

May is considered the best time to visit Botswana for many reasons, one being the Okavango Delta.

The Delta begins its annual, slow flood, transforming into a complex, shimmering mosaic of lagoons and islands. Wildlife congregates near the rising water, offering excellent sightings from land-based game drives and walking safaris.

Tip: Mokoro trips may not yet be possible in every area, so we recommend choosing a luxury tented camp or lodge near the permanent channels for guaranteed water-based experiences.

Mashatu Game Reserve

May is often considered the best time to visit Botswana, including for safaris in Mashatu. In Botswana’s far east, elephants, lions, and leopards are the Big Five draws in the dry landscapes of Mashatu Game Reserve. This is a prime month for photographic safaris and guided walks, with comfortable weather and crisp light for capturing wildlife in action.

Activities in Botswana in May

• Horse riding safaris – drier weather is ideal for exploring on horseback.
• Photographic safaris – this month is considered to be the best time to go to Botswana for safari, partly due to high-quality photographic opportunities.
• Walking safaris – ideal for intimate tracking and learning about the smaller wonders of the bush.
• Day and night game drives – for the thrill of tracking predators and nocturnal species.
• Mokoro safaris – a serene glide through the permanently flooded channels of the Okavango Delta.
• Desert adventures – explore the unique Kalahari ecosystems.

The Best Time to Visit Botswana

May stands out for offering excellent value, superb weather, and quieter camps; it’s perfect if you’re seeking exclusivity. If you’re looking for the very best time to safari in Botswana, this quiet month ensures you experience the heart of the wild before the high-season rush.

Keen to visit? Browse our tours and start planning your African chapter with one of our Botswana safari experts. We tailor your journey to ensure seamless connection and comfort, which is why we arrange light aircraft flights to transport you directly to the remote airstrips of your exclusive safari lodges.

Our safari experts recommend June, the final month of the shoulder season, for a Botswana safari. During this month, the weather is not too hot and not too cold, with fantastic lighting for photography. More importantly, as water sources become few and far between, animals begin to congregate in larger numbers. Less rain means shorter grass, making game viewing much easier. Some lodges will already have their high season prices, but it’s still possible to find some excellent specials.

Weather in June

The sun is out, and there is very little chance of rain in June. This month is well and truly the beginning of the dry season and is the perfect time for a safari.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During June

Savute

Botswana’s dry season (May to October) is the best time for a Savute safari. The Savute Channel carries water from the Chobe River to flood the marshlands. In the dry season, this water source becomes all the more important, attracting a range of herbivores and, following the herds, predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Makgadikgadi Pans

The otherworldly expanse of salt pans that make up Makgadikgadi are incredible to see shimmering in the sunlight during the dry season. Without any clouds in the sky at night, stargazing is surreal. Near the river area, you may see a variety of wildlife coming to drink.

Central Kalahari

For a desert safari experience in Botswana, the Central Kalahari is a great choice during the dry season. The lack of rainfall during the middle of the year dries the land, resulting in golden savannahs and seemingly never-ending pans. Head to the watering holes for the chance to spot big cats (including the famous black-maned lions) as well as hyenas, giraffes, and wildebeest.

Activities to Do in Botswana During June

• Game drives
• Walking safaris
• Mokoro safaris
• Horseback riding safaris
• Desert safaris

In July, Botswana’s vegetation and waterholes start drying out, creating the perfect conditions for game viewing. As safaris are popular this month, rates are higher, and lodges and camps can get fully booked quickly. If this is the month you’ve decided on for your holiday, booking your accommodation and trips in advance is the best thing you can do.

Weather in July

Mornings and evenings are cool in July. Temperatures tend to drop in the evening and early in the morning, so it’s advisable to pack warm clothing to enjoy your game drives. However, you probably won’t need a raincoat.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During July

Savute

As the lack of rain during the dry season takes its toll on Botswana’s landscapes, drying up the vegetation and watering holes, wildlife can often be seen gathering around the Savute Channel. Savute is home to a range of wildlife, including an impressive population of lions, and is one of the best places in Botswana to witness dramatic predator-prey dynamics.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a year-round destination, with the dry season giving you a completely different view of the land compared to the wet summer months. The middle of the year sees the landscapes completely dry up, causing the wildlife of the region to congregate around the few remaining water sources. Along with wildlife sightings, the landscape made up of salt pans is incredible to see.

Central Kalahari

A desert safari in the Central Kalahari is far more comfortable during the dry winter season – temperatures are cooler, making exploring this stunning region more doable. During a Botswana safari here, you have the opportunity to spot unique desert species, like the black-maned lions, aardwolves, caracals, and meerkats.

Activities to Do in Botswana During July

• Mokoro safaris
• Day and night drives
• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding safaris
• Desert safaris

Like July, August is such an exciting time to visit Botswana. It’s squarely in the middle of peak safari season and lines up with European summer holidays! While temperatures may be high at midday, the weather tends to feel quite mild, and there’s little to no rain.

By now, rainfall from the Angola highlands has emerged in the Okavango Delta, creating vast floodplains despite the lack of rain. Wildlife congregates around these water sources, and thanks to shorter grass and shrubs, it’s far easier to see animals.

Weather in August

The salt and clay pans will have completely dried out in the arid areas of the country. Temperatures are low in the morning and evening, so warmer clothes are required.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During August

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

August is one of the most popular months to visit the Central Kalahari, meaning higher rates will likely apply. Conditions are dry and temperatures are cool in the middle of the day.

Chobe National Park

Early morning game drives are the perfect time to spot predators like lions and spotted hyenas. Chobe National Park is famous for its large elephant population, so expect to see many herds of these majestic animals. This park is also an excellent destination for birding, particularly for waterbirds.

Moremi Game Reserve

Game life becomes more prominent in Moremi during August. This month is the best for wildlife viewing, so high season rates will apply. August also sees high water levels, which means it’s a good time for mokoro (dugout canoe) trips.

Savute

This area is one of the best wildlife hotspots in Botswana, and it’s all the more exciting during the dry season. Well-known for its populations of lions, wild dogs, and hyenas, a Botswana safari here can bring you front-row to see incredible interactions between predators and their prey.

Okavango Delta

With several private reserves available, the Okavango Delta offers an authentic wilderness experience and stunning scenery. Beyond the Big Five, the Delta boasts an impressive range of wildlife, including cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, many bird species, and various antelope species. Since game viewing is at its prime, lodge rates are high.

Linyanti Concession

The reserve houses four of the Big Five, with just rhinos being absent. During August, you will find the best game-viewing, as the dry season has thinned vegetation and reduced watering holes. The dry season also sees large herds of elephants migrating across the region.

Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park sees little to no rain in August. Over the last few months of the dry season, the salt pans have well and truly dried out. While early mornings and evenings are cold, the middle of the day sees temperatures well into the 20 to 30°C/80°F range, making for pleasant excursions across the wilderness

Activities to Do in Botswana During August

• Mokoro safaris
• Day and night drives
• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding safaris
• Desert safaris

Lodges and camps are full around this time of year, as September is one of the most popular months for wildlife viewing. The weather remains excellent, and as the green landscapes die out in drier conditions, it becomes easier to spot game.

September is a great time to visit parks and reserves like Mashatu Game Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Selinda Game Reserve. In Mashatu, you’ll find animals like lions, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs, while the other parks have some members of the Big Five (rhinos are challenging to spot in Botswana).

Weather in September

Temperatures increase from August onwards, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the weather is unpleasant. While daytime temperatures can be comfortable, some areas, like the Kalahari, are hotter during the day and colder at night.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During September

Mashatu Game Reserve

If elephants, lions, wild dogs, and leopards are on your list for your safari trip, Mashatu Game Reserve would be a top destination for you. Although the game reserve isn’t a Big Five destination, it has a variety of activities to partake in, such as horseback riding and walking safaris.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

September is a good month for wildlife viewing at Kgalagadi. One of the best parts about the park is that it doesn’t have a high season, which means it never gets crowded and the rates rarely fluctuate. This is where you can see black-maned Kalahari lions as well as the rare pangolin.

Selinda Game Reserve

September coincides with the high season and the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Although higher rates apply during this month, Selinda rarely gets busy. That means you get quality wildlife sightings without the addition of a crowded park. All three big cat species can be spotted here, as well as wild dogs and hyenas.

Activities to Do in Botswana During September

• Game drives
• Mokoro safaris
• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding safaris
• Desert safaris

Wildlife viewing is still at its peak in October. The lack of vegetation and water forces wildlife to stick around the few remaining water sources, allowing you to see them in full force. However, the dry and dusty weather makes it a challenging month for photography.

Some popular parks to visit in October include the Linyanti Reserve for boat trips, as well as the Moremi Game Reserve, which is a Big Five destination, and the Selinda Game Reserve, which houses lions and elephants as its main attractions.

Weather in October

October is the last month of Botswana’s dry season. Temperatures are warm and dry, and rain begins to increase towards the end of the month.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During October

Linyanti Reserve

The best wildlife viewing occurs between July and October, the dry season. Wild dogs, lions, and leopards are regularly seen here. As the dry season is at its peak, there are countless activities you can participate in, including off-road driving, walking safaris, and boat trips.

Moremi Game Reserve

Known as a Big Five destination (although rhino sightings are very rare) and located in the famed Okavango Delta, the dry season provides the perfect opportunity to see big game while on safari. You should especially make time for a mokoro safari – a fantastic choice for birding.

Selinda Game Reserve

Also called the Selinda Concession, the reserve houses some big game life. The park’s star animals are elephants and lions, and the dry season is the best time to see them.

Activities to Do in Botswana During October

• Game drives
• Boat safaris
• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding safaris

Even though November is typically considered a rainy month, don’t let that discourage you! You can still have an incredible safari experience in Botswana. Some parks are bustling with wildlife year-round, and you might even spot different animals than you would see during the drier months. This month also sees the start of the zebra migration, where massive herds of zebras travel across Botswana’s plains in search of prime grazing spots and water.

Weather in November

November marks the start of the rainy summer season. Although days are warm, thunderstorms can occur, so make sure to pack a raincoat.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During November

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Although November is the start of the wet season, wildlife viewing is at its prime at the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, as animals gather around the flooding pans. However, early-morning and evening drives can get chilly, so it’s best to layer up.

Linyanti Reserve

November is an excellent time to visit Linyanti Reserve to see the animals splashing through the water. This time of the year also sees migrant bird species begin to enter the reserve from North Africa and Europe. If you’re an avid birder, Linyanti is a must-visit, as it’s internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Mashatu Game Reserve

In this game reserve, elephants are the main attraction. Lions, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs can also be seen. Other animals in the park include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species.

Activities to Do in November

• Walking safaris
• Day and night game drives
• Observing animals in wildlife hides
• Photographic safaris
• Birdwatching safaris
• Zebra migration safaris

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

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.

Destinations to Visit in Botswana During December

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.

Activities to Do in Botswana During December

• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Observing animals in wildlife hides
• Photographic safaris
• Zebra migration safaris