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Botswana, home to the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, offers a unique safari experience – even in the low season. The country’s low season for safaris spans January to March, bringing with it a very different southern African experience.
Wildlife is still around, but lush greenery and abundant water make them difficult to spot and quite spread out. This makes January an ideal time for birdwatching and observing smaller game. However, while the north of the country experiences its low season, the Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan fill with water, attracting huge numbers of animals.
Weather in January
Expect lush, green landscapes as well as occasional thundershowers. Although it’s considered a wet month, the temperatures are often hot, with the rains allowing a cooling period. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the conditions offer stunning photographic opportunities. You won’t need to layer clothes for your safari experience – lightweight clothing (including a rainjacket) will usually suffice.
Average Weather in January
| Temperature | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Rainfall |
| Min | 19℃ | 66℉ | 2.8 inches |
| Max | 32℃ | 90℉ | 7.7 inches |
Destinations to Visit in Botswana During January
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
While January isn’t the best time to spot wildlife, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve can still be stunning. It’s a secluded destination that offers the opportunity to see black-maned lions. The Kalahari Desert as a whole can get incredibly hot in summer, but rain brings the landscape’s vegetation to life.
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.
Nxai Pan National Park
In January, Nxai Pan National Park is typically as wet as it ever gets. The abundance of grass attracts herbivores like zebra, wildebeest, and other antelope in their thousands, alongside migratory birds. Peak season here spans December to March, so higher rates will apply. However, the park seldom gets busy, so you won’t have to experience large crowds.
Activities to Do in Botswana During January
- Birdwatching safaris
- Game drives
- Photographic safaris
- See the zebra migration
