What is the best time to visit Botswana?

The best time to visit Botswana can vary depending on your interests and budget. The dry season, from May to October, is when wildlife viewing is best and the weather is cool and pleasant.

The best time to visit Botswana for safari is typically the dry season (May to October), when wildlife gathers around water and the Okavango Delta flood peaks. The green season (November to April) offers lush scenery, baby animals, excellent birding and lower prices.

Botswana Safari Seasons at a Glance

The Dry/Busy Season:

Between June and October
Best for willdife viewing
The Okavango Delta Flood
High water levels
Can get cold at night

The Green/Low Season:

Between December and March
Fantastic scenery
Birders paradise
Rain Season

Shoulder Season:

April to May & November
Not as busy

Best Time to Visit Botswana: Month-by-Month Guide

Botswana's dry season runs from May to October and is widely regarded as the optimal period for safaris. During these months, vegetation is sparse and animals gather at rivers and waterholes, making wildlife viewing exceptional. The days are generally sunny with comfortable temperatures, while nights can be chilly, especially in July and August, days still warm up with average temperatures being around 25 to 32 degrees celsius. Rainfall is also extremely unlikely. This period marks the time when the Okavango Delta has it's annual flood, turning the area into a beautiful water-wonderland and attracting huge amounts of wildlife to the area. When planning a mokoro or walking safari, this is the best time of year to plan for. While October is still a part of this season, temperatures skyrocket and the time between October and November is typically the hottest time of year to be in Botswana, with temperatures ranging between 38 and 45 degrees celsius daily.

The wet season, or better described as the rainy season starts from November through to April. During this period, days are hot, humid, and when Botswana recieves all of it's rainfall. Despite this, the rains bring abundant life to the country and the landscape turns to beautiful lush greenery. This is typically when one would find wildlife with young babies, as well fantastic birding encounters to be found around every corner.

With the rainfall, the wildlife migrates. While Chobe National Park has one of the highest populations of elephants in the world, during November/December, It is often that this slims down significantly. The Makgadikgadi Pans flood with the rainfall, attracting the zebra migration, and turning the desert area into a basin of water and life.

Best Time to Visit by Region:

Okavango Delta: July to September, when the annual flood peaks and prime time for mokoro and boating activities.
Chobe National Park: May to October for the famous elephant herds along the Chobe River.
Moremi Game Reserve: May to November for outstanding predator sightings.
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans: June to September, for sleepout experiences under the stars
Central Kalahari (CKGR): December to April for desert-adapted wildlife and green-season game.

Key Facts and Quick Tips:

Dry Season: May to October - Best for wildlife viewing and Okavango Delta floods - This is also when most budget group safaris are scheduled for.
Green Season: November to April - Great for scenery and birding.
Heat Season: October to November is the hottest period to travel Botswana.
Availability can be slim in Peak/Dry season, so booking early can be essential unless you are flexible with dates.

Frequenty Asked Questions:

What is the cheapest time to visit Botswana?

The green season (November to April) offers the lowest safari prices, making it the most affordable time for a budget Botswana safari. Within the dry/busy season, there are also scheduled group safaris that make safaris much more affordable as well.

What is the best month for a Botswana safari?

July, August and September offer the best overall wildlife viewing and weather during the peak of the dry season.

When does the Okavango Delta flood?

The annual flood peaks between June and August, making it the ideal time for a mokoro (dugout canoe) and boating safaris.

Is it worth visiting Botswana in the rainy season?

Absolutley— the green season brings lush scenery, newborn wildlife, spectacular birding and lower prices.

Best Safaris to Book by Season:

For the best budget dry season safaris (May to October), Lelobu Safaris' has an 8 Nights Botswana Budget Fly-in Lodge Special that makes use of great locations like the inner Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and even Victoria Falls. With the addition of scenic flights, mokoro safaris, game drives, and motorboat cruises, this package makes for a great value for money option, when traveling to Botswana.

For the green season (November to April), Lelobu Safaris also has an amazing 8 Nights Green Season Lodge Special, that drastically drops prices for a great lodge experience during a quieter period. Many travelers choose to exclusively travel during the green season, to avoid larger groups in the national parks.

Ready to plan your dream Botswana safari?

Contact Lelobu Safaris for personalized advice and a custom itinerary.

From family travel to more rustic and affordable camps, there is something for everyone with our Botswana safaris. Some lodge packages focus on specific activities, such as game drives and boat rides, while others offer a more comprehensive safari experience that includes a variety of activities and destinations.

No matter what type of Botswana safari package you choose, you can expect to see an incredible array of wildlife. Overall, booking a Botswana budget safari package is a great way to ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable trip to this incredible country. So why wait? Lets start planning your Botswana safari today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!