What is the best time to visit Botswana

It is true to say that there are places in Botswana for every season and for every interest, making Botswana the ideal safari destination at any time of the year. The dry season draws the wildlife to congregate along the life giving waterways, and the rainy season attracts the herds to the lush new grass on the floodplains.

Flooded Desert Rivers

Botswana is also unusual in that some of the rivers are in peak flood at the height of the dry season – adding an extra dimension to a Botswana safari.

The world renowned Okavango Delta reaches its peak months after the last rains of the season have fallen in the area – due to the fact that most the Delta water comes from the highlands of Angola almost two thousand kilometres away. This provides a contrast of dry dusty surrounds and lush green waterways.

So what is the best time to visit for the different activities?

Bird watching: the summer months are the best for bird watching in Botswana as this is when all the migrant species have arrived from their northern climes.

Predator safari: there are places in Botswana for predator viewing during every season, as there are always concentrations of prey animals somewhere.

Makoro safaris: the peak of the flood in the Okavango Delta is August / September and most areas of the Delta will offer Makoro safaris at this time, but there are places of permanent water where Makoro trips can be done year round.

Self-drive safaris: the northern parks of Botswana can be accessed year round in a 4x4 vehicle, although there will be some places that are inaccessible at times of the year due to heavy rains and flooding.

Wildlife safari: as with predator safaris, wildlife is plentiful year round in Botswana and there are areas where the game viewing is excellent no matter what season it is.

So what is the best time for a safari to Botswana

With its unique habitats and intriguing locations Botswana is an ideal safari destination all year round – with great game viewing and unique activities.

To experience the peak of the floodwaters in the Delta, the best time to visit would be between June and September, although the areas of permanent Delta will provide a “high water” experience all year round.