Access to camps is limited to flying in and out of the camps all year round whether you are visiting in the the dry or the rainy season. The best time to visit Botswana is during the winter months from the middle of May to the end of September, when the weather is not too hot. It gets hotter in October and November, but the game viewing is very good. Botswana’s winter is during our British summer, and the weather is hot during the day, but it isn't a stifling heat, and cold at night. The summer months (British winter) can be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain. If you are wanting to see the magnificent 'flooding' of the OKavango Delta then June til August is the best time to go.
Botswana's Rainy Season
Botswana has one rainy season which runs between mid-December and runs through to mid-March. However, in comparison to many other African countries, Botswana is never especially wet since it is mainly the Kalahari desert after all!
The beginning of the year is Botswana's green season. At this time, the rains can fall heavily in short showers and while the birding is at its best, it is not a good time of year to visit the country if you are looking for big game. There are a few exceptions to the rule, as the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi attract large herds due to the fresh grazing and Chobe always has high concentrations of game, but the usual big game areas (Okavango, Linyanti, Selinda etc) do not guarantee good viewing. Although the game is all there, the bush is thick and there is some superb value to be had at this time of year.
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The dry season, from July onwards is the best time of year to go for big game viewing. August, September and October are the peak months and are when the huge herds congregate around the water and greener areas, making viewing easy since the bush will have thinned out. November sees low season rates return, and increased heat that rises until the rains break from the middle of November onwards creating the start of the green season where the cycle starts again.
The Best Time to go on Safari in Botswana
The best time to go on safari in Botswana would be at the end of the dry season (October) as this is when the concentration of large mammals is highest around the waterholes and when the bush is at its lowest. This makes for some sensational game viewing. If however, you are after something truly spectacular then between June and August the Okavango Delta is in full flood. At this time of year the animals and birds have congregated in their thousands and the lush grasslands are covered in water. Boat, walking and vehicle safaris are all on offer providing a great variety in which to view game. It is a photographers dream.
