
Best time to visit Botswana
Most safari experts agree: Botswana’s best wildlife viewing season is during the dry months from May to October when temperatures are moderate, animals gather around shrinking water sources, and the Okavango Delta is in full flood for mokoro and boat safaris.
Safari by season:
How Botswana changes by season
Wildlife viewing at our Botswana camps is excellent year-round, but each season brings its own nuances and special charms. While “when is the best time to visit?” is a common question, there’s no simple answer. Game sightings are never guaranteed, but by combining our knowledge of seasons, habitats, water availability, and animal behaviour, clear patterns begin to emerge.

June to August
Cooler, drier months offer peak wildlife visibility. Game concentrates around shrinking water sources, and the Delta is in full flood making it ideal for mokoro and boating. Clear skies, leafless trees, and fewer bugs make this a photographer’s dream and the top time for walking safaris and big cat encounters.

November to March
Summer rains bring a lush, vibrant landscape. Wildlife gathers at waterholes, calving begins, and birdlife peaks with migrants in full plumage. It’s a time of new life and dramatic skies. Water levels in the Delta are low, so some mokoro and boating activities may be limited.

April to May and September to October
These months blend the best of both worlds. Wildlife is still active, greenery begins to fade, and temperatures are moderate. With fewer travellers and varied conditions, it’s a great time for quieter safaris, strong sightings, and better rates across camps.
Dry season

June to August
Cooler, drier months offer peak wildlife visibility. Game concentrates around shrinking water sources, and the Delta is in full flood making it ideal for mokoro and boating. Clear skies, leafless trees, and fewer bugs make this a photographer’s dream and the top time for walking safaris and big cat encounters.
Green season

November to March
Summer rains bring a lush, vibrant landscape. Wildlife gathers at waterholes, calving begins, and birdlife peaks with migrants in full plumage. It’s a time of new life and dramatic skies. Water levels in the Delta are low, so some mokoro and boating activities may be limited.
Shoulder season

April to May and September to October
These months blend the best of both worlds. Wildlife is still active, greenery begins to fade, and temperatures are moderate. With fewer travellers and varied conditions, it’s a great time for quieter safaris, strong sightings, and better rates across camps.
Peak season in Botswana
Botswana highlights in the Green season
Botswana highlights in the Shoulder season
How seasonal changes affect safari activities
Seasonal shifts in water levels, vegetation, and temperature shape the kinds of safari experiences available across Botswana. Here’s how five popular activities are affected throughout the year:

Mokoro
Water-based activities depend on the Okavango Delta’s annual flood. From May to October (peaking June–August), water levels rise as floodwaters from Angola arrive. Between November and April, many channels become too shallow for boats or mokoros. Availability varies by year and location.
Mokoro
Walking safaris
During the cooler dry months, walking conditions are at their best as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and sparse vegetation improves both visibility and safety. As October approaches with its high temperatures, walking activities become restricted to very early morning hours when conditions are cooler.
Guided Walking Safaris
Helicopter
The dry season provides optimal flying conditions thanks to good visibility and stable weather. During the wet season, flights become more weather-dependent due to storms and reduced visibility. But when conditions permit, they offer spectacular views of the transformed green landscape with temporary water bodies and flourishing vegetation.
Helicopter Safari
Night drives
When water levels are high in the Okavango, night drives are not recommended due to safety reasons, although night drives on dry land are available. The availability of this experience will more likely depend on wildlife behaviour at the time, with guides keeping a close eye to ensure guest safety.
Night Game DrivesMokoro

Mokoro
Water-based activities depend on the Okavango Delta’s annual flood. From May to October (peaking June–August), water levels rise as floodwaters from Angola arrive. Between November and April, many channels become too shallow for boats or mokoros. Availability varies by year and location.
MokoroWalking

Walking safaris
During the cooler dry months, walking conditions are at their best as animals concentrate around permanent water sources and sparse vegetation improves both visibility and safety. As October approaches with its high temperatures, walking activities become restricted to very early morning hours when conditions are cooler.
Guided Walking SafarisHelicopter

Helicopter
The dry season provides optimal flying conditions thanks to good visibility and stable weather. During the wet season, flights become more weather-dependent due to storms and reduced visibility. But when conditions permit, they offer spectacular views of the transformed green landscape with temporary water bodies and flourishing vegetation.
Helicopter SafariNight drives

Night drives
When water levels are high in the Okavango, night drives are not recommended due to safety reasons, although night drives on dry land are available. The availability of this experience will more likely depend on wildlife behaviour at the time, with guides keeping a close eye to ensure guest safety.
Night Game DrivesWhat you need to know
Your seasonal safari questions, answered

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Jao
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Mokete
In the supremely wild Mokete Private Wilderness Area, predators meet prey in a beautifully brutal dance of life and death.
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