Best Time to Visit Botswana - Botswana in May

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 charter flights to transport you directly to the remote airstrips of your exclusive safari lodges.