​Best Time To Visit – Botswana

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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The best time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park is during the Dry season (April to October). This corresponds to winter, when temperatures are more moderate. The waters of the Okavango are at their highest from July to October, which is the ideal time for wildlife viewing there. The southern, drier parks of the Kalahari are generally best visited from December to May.


351 Botswana Safaris
Best Time April to October (Okavango, Moremi, Chobe), December to May (Central Kalahari, Khutse, Kgalagadi)
High Season July to October (Will not feel too crowded, except for Chobe)
Low Season November to June (Some lodges and camps close in February and March; Kalahari parks may vary)
Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day, with dry conditions)
Worst Weather October and November (Very hot), January and February (Peak of Wet season)

April to October –Dry Season

  • There’s less vegetation and animals gather around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most people visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • The Delta is at its best with high water levels, making mokoro (dugout canoe) trips possible
  • Early morning and evening game drives are cold in June, July and August

Wildlife Photos

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November to March –Wet Season

  • The scenery is greener
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty of animals
  • Expect to see many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Rates are lower during this season
  • Except for during January and February, rains don’t usually interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rain can continue for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Wildlife Photos

Cheetah cubs
Elephant kicking up dust
+48 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Moremi, Okavango and Chobe are most popular and offer year-round wildlife viewing. They are at their best during the Dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and the Okavango is flooded. The other, drier parks are best visited during, or just after, the Wet season when fresh grasses attract wildlife.

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