As a year-round safari destination, Botswana offers a unique experience every month of the year, and each season brings a sense of wonder. The green season (November through May) lures photographers with bright colors, strong game viewing and landscapes made lush by seasonal rain. As green season comes to an end, seasonal floodwaters from Angola begin to arrive, creating the Okavango Delta’s famous floodplains and, quite ironically, signaling the start of the dry season.
June marks the start of the peak travel season in Botswana, which continues through October. As the dry season progresses, the Okavango Delta’s landscape again transforms as the floodplains begin to dry. Without the floodplains, animals must find waterholes from which to drink, and guests at this time of year are treated to dramatic showdowns between predators and prey. No matter what the season, there’s a stunning and unique reason to visit Botswana.
Why October?
October is the grand finale of the dry season in Botswana. The daytime temperatures in are historically hot, but the payoff is that animals congregate around the productive waterholes, making for easier wildlife viewing than other times of year when the landscapes are lush.
For guests looking for water-based activities in the Okavango Delta, it’s important to note that the Delta doesn’t completely dry up, so activities like mokoro (dugout canoe) or boat rides are still possible at some water-based camps in October.
Many travelers who visit Botswana combine time in the Okavango Delta with another game reserve like Chobe or Linyanti. October is a fantastic time to visit these two reserves, as guests are often treated to the sight of massive herds of elephant during this time. It’s not uncommon to see a few hundred elephants in a day!
Why November?
November is a month of transition in Botswana: shoulder season pricing replaces peak pricing, and the dry landscapes begin to welcome rain. However, while travelers may encounter rain on safari, most of the rainfall in the Okavango Delta occurs between December and March.
Safari-goers traveling in early November hit the sweet spot between peak season crowds and the holiday rush and reap the benefits of special offers specifically targeted to this time frame.
For More Information
If you’re looking to travel to Botswana or any other destination, let us know! We’d love to design a custom trip for you, answer your questions and recommend a destination perfectly suited for your trip goals.
For more information about Botswana, read our blogs about Botswana or look through some sample Botswana itineraries for trips we’ve designed for past travelers!