Get more information about Botswana, the best time to visit, and getting around. Botswana is well known for having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African continent. With 38% of its total land area devoted to national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas. Which are for the most part unfenced. Allowing animals to roam wild and free. Traveling through many parts of the country has the feeling of moving through an immense Nature wonderland. Therefore; Botswana is high on most people’s ‘safari bucket list’.
Botswana is one of the last strongholds for many endangered bird and mammal species. These include Wild Dog, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Kori Bustard, and Pel’s Fishing Owl. This makes your safari experience even more memorable. At times you will feel simply surrounded by wild animals.
The first and most lasting impressions will be of vast expanses of uninhabited wilderness. The sensation of limitless space; astoundingly rich wildlife and bird viewing; night skies littered with stars and heavenly bodies of an unimaginable brilliance; and stunning sunsets of unearthly beauty.
When is the Best Time to Visit Botswana
Botswana is a year-round safari destination. It is advised to be aware of the major seasonal differences in wildlife viewing to establish when it is the best time for you to visit. Also see our Botswana birding safari information.
Zebra migration
November to February
This falls into the ‘wet’ or ‘green’ season. This time of year can deliver incredible game viewing and bird watching. Experiencing mostly an afternoon thunderstorm (not persistent rain as experienced in other parts of the world); although it can be quite hot & humid. In November, the Zebra migration begins from north to south. This time of year is renowned for excellent birding. The predators are in waiting as many antelopes give birth.
Photography is great at this time of year. This is due to the vivid colors of the greener scenery and therefore; the animals’ coats not being as well camouflaged.
The Central Kalahari, Makgdikgadi Pans, and Nxai Pan plus the Chobe/Savuti areas are great at this time of year.
March
Temperatures are still warm; both day and night; but the air is drier and the rains less frequent. The bush is lush and green. Water is still plentiful; consequently; there are usually more bugs. The start of the rutting (mating) season leads to the sleek and fat impala males snorting and cavorting to attract females.
April and May
This is one of the best times to go on a Botswana safari. Rates are still good and there are fewer visitors than in the peak months. Also; game viewing is often as good as in the high season.
Rain becomes less frequent. As a result, the vivid green bush fades to duller dry season colors. As a result; the predators begin to enjoy themselves as their colors blend in with their surroundings once again. Seasonal waterholes are quickly drying up. This leads to the animals using the permanent water sources (Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe River). The migratory birds begin their flights to winter feeding and breeding grounds in faraway places.
Crocodile and other predators await at water sources
June until October
June marks the start of the high season. Temperatures start to drop and you will need to dress warmly for your safari game drives. There’s very little rain and seasonal water sources have dried up and the bugs have eased off. The Delta gets to full flood and more and more animals congregate near the water and flood plains.
Water activities become more exciting because of new channels and waterways that can be accessed. Excellent game viewing makes this the most expensive time to visit Botswana.
Soft early morning and evening light combined with dust provides the opportunity for many dramatic photo settings.
In conclusion; this is a great time to visit all the northern safari regions as in April and May.
The best way to get around Botswana is on light aircraft. This means you get a birds-eye view of the surroundings; while taking the easy way to travel. For true adventurers, hire a 4×4 and drive. The off-road driving experience is not highly recommended unless seasoned 4×4 drivers; due to times of flooding and the remoteness of camps. Botswana is home to authentic African safaris; from the Okavango Delta to Chobe; it is a highly sort after safari destination.
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