Botswana is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. My favorite place to safari in Botswana is the Okavango Delta, a unique ecosystem that comes alive with the annual flood of the Okavango River.
Recently, while visiting Botswana, my wife, my younger son and I saw incredible wildlife. We followed male lions tracking down and driving other males out of their territory and generally “looking for a fight.” We saw a pride of 21 females, sub adults and cubs looking for breakfast. We watched three hyenas laughing, crying and squealing as they fought over the remaining skin and bones of what once was a warthog. We saw wild dogs resting up for their next big hunt. We spied leopards in trees and on the ground, including one that was stalking red lechwe. We saw a pygmy falcon with a kill – a mouse that was a ‘just the right size’ meal. We marveled at hundreds and hundreds of elephants coming to water, quenching their giant thirsts with long draws from the few remaining water holes.
One reason we saw so much wildlife is that conditions were extremely dry. May is in the early part of the dry season in Botswana and the annual Okavango River floods had not arrived yet. With little water available, most animals need to find water to drink regularly.
Understanding seasonal patterns, rainfall and river flows is crucial for planning the best time to go on a Botswana safari. Read on to learn about the optimal times for a Botswana safari, including information on safari lodges, camps and costs.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, created by the Okavango River. Each year, the river floods its banks, transforming the delta into a lush, water-filled paradise that attracts a vast array of wildlife. The flood begins in the Angolan highlands, traveling over 750 miles before reaching Botswana. The floodwaters typically arrive in the delta around May, peaking between June and August.
Where the flood is or is not is one of the biggest factors influencing your safari experience. On our recent visit, the numerous dry channels and floodplains looked more like Wyoming in the fall than the lush Everglades. Some of the wildlife looked stressed (especially hippos and crocodiles) but most were doing fine. We were blessed with great game sightings but because of the season, we knew we likely wouldn’t be enjoying some of the many iconic water-based Okavango Delta activities such as boating, mokoro rides and fishing due to water levels.
In addition to timing your visit with the floods, it’s also important to consider rainfall patterns. Botswana has a semi-arid climate with a distinct wet and dry season. Understanding this helps determine the best times for wildlife viewing:
Characterized by hot and humid weather, afternoon thunderstorms and lush landscapes, this period sees lower tourist numbers and reduced safari costs. However, wildlife viewing can be more challenging as animals disperse due to the abundance of water and vegetation is fuller, sometimes making wildlife more difficult to spot.
This is the prime time for safaris. The lack of water sources forces animals to congregate around permanent waterholes and rivers, making wildlife viewing spectacular. The temperatures are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.
So when deciding what is the best time for you to visit Botswana, you need to consider local rains and the annual flood. The best time for a Botswana safari largely depends on what you want to experience:
Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around water sources, making for easy viewing. The Okavango Delta is at its most picturesque, and the chances of spotting large predators are high. A great variety of land and water activities are available if the floods are in and the grasses are not too high.
These times of year offer a balance between good wildlife viewing and fewer visitors. November can be particularly rewarding as it’s the beginning of the wet season when animals give birth to their young. Some areas may not have enough water to offer mokoro and boat safaris though.
Though it’s the rainy season, it doesn’t rain as much as you may expect and it’s the best time for bird watching and seeing newborn animals. However, wildlife spreads out and can be scattered over larger areas than in the dry season, making it more difficult to spot. Lodges and camps offer significant discounts during this period.
Of course, once you decide when to go you have to decide where to go. Botswana offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to intimate camps and our recommendations change based on the time of year you visit.
These provide top-notch amenities, gourmet dining and personalized service. Examples include Tuludi, North Island Okavango and Tawana, which we visited during our recent safari. Exciting new editions include Atzaro Okavango Camp.
These offer a more authentic bush experience without compromising on comfort. Notable camps include Sable Alley, Shinde Footsteps and Linyanti Bush Camp.
Some camps, typically along the main channels further north, have year-round water. Others have seasonal water due primarily to the floods from May to October. Some are mostly dry year round unless there has been unusually high rainfall or flooding. Talk with your Journey Specialist about what activities you are excited about and what type of accommodation you are interested in and they will help you choose the right fit for you.
The cost of a Botswana safari varies depending on the season, type of accommodation and duration of stay.
Typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 per person per night. These safaris include high-end lodges, elevated dining, the best guides and special experiences.
Range from $750 to $2,000 per person per night, offering comfortable tented camps and lodges with great guides and experiences and delicious food.
Overall, Botswana offers an excellent year-round safari experience, with each season providing unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and adventure. The annual flood of the Okavango River and the distinct wet and dry seasons create a dynamic environment teeming with life.
Contact a Journey Specialist to plan the Botswana safari of your dreams and subscribe to our newsletter below for more safari information and inspiration.
Photos courtesy AAC President Kent Redding, Tawana and Shinde Footsteps