Botswana Safari in August

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