Botswana’s beauty changes throughout the year, and understanding its seasons can help you plan the perfect trip. With landscapes ranging from the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, each time of year offers something different for wildlife lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers.
Dry Season (June to October)
This is the most popular time for safaris. Days are sunny, skies are clear, and wildlife gathers near rivers and waterholes. Grass is shorter, so it’s easier to spot predators like lions and cheetahs. In Chobe National Park you can see massive herds of elephants crossing the river, and in Moremi Game Reserve predators follow the seasonal migration of antelope.
Birdwatching Season (August to November)
As the weather warms, migratory birds arrive. Look out for the vivid carmine bee-eater and the fish eagle. This is also a great time for photography as the light is bright and the scenery starts to green up after the first rains.
Green Season (November to April)
The rains transform Botswana into a lush paradise. Wildlife is more spread out, but the scenery is stunning and lodges often have lower rates. This is also when you can enjoy cultural festivals with music, dance, and traditional food.
Travel tip: For a balance between good wildlife sightings and smaller crowds, try visiting in May or early June.
