Summer December to February is the peak rainy season in Chobe, and the Riverside area receives more rain than anywhere else in Botswana: up to 650mm/26in a year. The great herds won’t be visiting the Riverside, but elephants and hippos are always present.
Vegetation everywhere will be splendidly lush, and the herds dispersed. By now, trees like the sour plum, African Mangosteen, and marula trees are fruiting: taste them! “Green season” is the time to look for excellent accommodation specials.
A Savuti safari can be perfect at this time of the year. Migrant birds will be swooping around the park, perfect for a birding safari. Malaria risks are higher in summer, so get medical advice on the correct precautions before traveling.