Mashatu Game Reserve Best Time To Visit

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

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Wildlife viewing in Mashatu Game Reserve is good throughout the year. The semi-arid environment makes for easy viewing of animals and predators in particular. The best time is perhaps during the dry winter months, from April to October, when animals migrate from afar to drink at the rivers. Mind though that October gets very hot. February is a lovely time as the savannah is covered in yellow flowers.

Best Time April to October (Dry conditions, best for wildlife viewing)

High Season May to October and December to mid-January (The park doesn't get busy)

Low Season Mid-January to April and November (Few visitors)

Best Weather March to May (Less hot than midsummer with warm nights and fresh air from the summer rains)

Worst Weather November to February (It gets very hot)

April to October Dry Season

Animals gather near water, which makes them easier to find
Leopards are easier to spot in dry riverine forest
Not as hot in the middle of the day
Nights and early mornings are chilly
The sky is hazy, and the scenery is less beautiful

November to March Wet Season

Scenery is lush, and the skies are bright
There are many baby animals around
Elephants and elands, attracted to new vegetation, form huge herds
The arrival of migratory birds makes this the best time for birding
Wildlife viewing is not as good as in the Dry season, as animals are dispersed
It gets extremely hot

Best Time To Go by Major Park