botswana safari february

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• Botswana in February

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

By Antoinette Booyse

Safari Travel Planner

By February, the summer rains are beginning to lessen; otherwise, conditions stay much the same as in January. Average daytime temperatures remain in the low 30°C/86°F, while the coldest nights in the Kalahari may occasionally drop below 15°C/59°F. Towering thunderclouds still form an impressive backdrop for afternoon photographs, and the atmosphere stays clear and fresh after each bout of rain.

February is prime time for visiting the Central Kalahari, Savuti, and Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, attracting large numbers of zebra, springbok, and oryx. Predators, especially lions, are never far away. Elephants can be harder to spot in summer as they tend to disperse due to the abundant vegetation and increased surface water. Birding safaris , however, are at their best, with numerous migrant species and large flocks descending on the pans.

Road conditions are at their muddiest in February, so make sure you’re carrying recovery equipment and driving in convoy if possible. Driving on or near the pans is particularly treacherous, and doing so will almost certainly get you stuck on your safari in Botswana.

In Moremi and around the delta, certain tracks may be closed due to flooding, and others will have deep pools that you’ll need to treat with caution. Always ask other travelers about the conditions ahead during your Botswana safari tour , and look out for no-entry signs or the equivalent – logs or branches laid deliberately across the road.

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With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect african safari for your adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, popular botswana safaris, these recommended tours for botswana can be tailor-made to match your budget..

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Free safari planning advice from destination experts

• Why Botswana
• Botswana in January
• Botswana in March
• Botswana in April
• Botswana in May
• Botswana in June
• Botswana in July
• Botswana in August
• Botswana in September
• Botswana in October
• Botswana in November
• Botswana in December
• Chief’s Island in Botswana
• Chobe National Park and Savuti Marsh in Botswana
• Kubu Island in Botswana
• Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
• Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
• Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Bird Watching in Botswana
• Boat Cruise in Chobe, Botswana
• Flight Over the Flamingos in Botswana
• Flight Over the Okavango Delta
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• Museum at Jack’s Camp in Botswana
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• The Historic Baobabs in Botswana
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The best times of year to visit beautiful Botswana

Oct 25, 2023 • 8 min read

A boat tour of Botswana’s rich river delta is a special way to take in the country’s extraordinary natural abundance © Rosanna U / Getty Images

From the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta to the sweeping semi-arid savanna of the Kalahari Desert and the lunar-like salt pans of Makgadikgadi , Botswana offers superb wildlife-watching year-round.

The best time to visit Botswana depends on what you want to see, which parks you hope to visit and your budget. Do you long to see endangered African wild dogs, lion prides on the hunt or one of the largest migrations in Africa? Perhaps you dream of drifting along reed-fringed waterways on a mokoro (narrow dugout canoe) or bouncing over glittering salt pans on a quad bike? Would you rather avoid the crowds? Do you plan to take your kids? 

Don't underestimate how hot and dusty it can be during the dry season, how easy it is to get stuck in the mud when it rains or how bone-chillingly cold desert nights can get. But whatever the time of year, the wild creatures and epic landscapes here will blow your mind.

The high and dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife watching

Spectacular wildlife spotting, bone-dry weather and Northern Hemisphere school vacations combine to make July and August the busiest months in Botswana. In June and July, meanwhile, campsites fill up with safari-loving South Africans. 

The dry winter season runs roughly from April to October, with endless blue skies, warm days and cold nights. June through August are the coolest months (around 25°C/77°F), and temperatures can drop below freezing at night, with stellar stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Pan. This is also when the flood peaks in the Okavango Delta. In July and August, the delta water surface area can swell to three times that of nonflooding periods. At the height of the dry season, wildlife congregates around these seasonally high flood waters and at permanent water sources such as the Kwando River and Chobe River; roads and tracks throughout the country are easier to navigate than in the rainy season. There are no mosquitos, so it's a good time for family adventures.

Try tiger fishing in September and October

From September, the heat gradually builds, reaching its peak in October when the mercury can hit 40°C (104°F).

The barbel run occurs in the Okavango Panhandle at this time of year too, when water levels start to drop after winter's floods. As the river recedes, barbel fish flush out small baitfish from the papyrus, chasing and trapping them against reed beds in a carnivorous fish frenzy, followed by countless hungry birds. The timing varies yearly depending on the flood but typically occurs between September and October. 

Enjoy spotting animals for a fraction of the cost during shoulder season (April, May and November)

The shoulder-season months are a time of transition between the wet and dry seasons, meaning the weather can be unpredictable. Still, Botswana never has shortage of wildlife action, and lodges often reduce their prices, making trips in this period a great value for money.

Low season (December to March) is best for lush landscapes, the zebra migration, birders and budget-conscious travelers

From December to March, the summer rains – known as the green season – bring high temperatures and heavy showers, with January and February usually the wettest months. It's the cheapest time to visit, though with fewer travelers, some lodges and camps shut up shop completely, campsites get muddy and many roads and tracks become impassable.

Abundant vegetation and plentiful water mean animals can forage far and wide, making them harder to spot. But photographers will love the moody skies and lush landscapes of this season. 

The Kalahari bursts to life and rain transforms the arid salt pans into nutritious grasslands, bringing zebra to Nxai Pan National Park. The annual zebra migration is an unmissable spectacle, and with many young herbivores around, the possibility of prey-versus-predator action is high. Birders should flock to Botswana in December or March to see the stunning summer migrants.

Explore Gaborone for a dose of culture in March and April 

Not only is there relief as summer starts to dip, but the annual Maitisong Festival in Botswana's capital is a great excuse to visit for local music, dance and drama.

January's thunderstorms are dramatic

High temperatures, intermittent rains and vibrant birdwatching define this green season, when some lodges slash rates by almost half. Expect high temperatures and frequent short bursts of heavy rain, with dramatic thunderstorms best viewed from under canvas with a drink in hand. Chobe National Park is exceptionally wet, while the Kalahari Desert is suffocatingly hot but green and overflowing with wildflowers, with the opportunity to spot newborn herbivores as well as myriad migratory birds.

The Kalahari comes to life in February

February is usually the rainiest month, with longer, more persistent downpours. Temperatures rise, but the Kalahari bursts into life, with the arid salt pans transformed into nutritious grasslands that entice herbivores. Don't miss the sight of thousands of Burchell's zebras migrating from the Boteti River to Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park.

Watch out for mosquitos in March

As summer ends, showers are usually limited to refreshing afternoon bursts. Elephants forage in the Okavango Delta as they vacuum up fallen fruit. Water levels might be too low for mokoro canoe trips, but large dazzles of zebras remain in Makgadikgadi, which also means good lion sightings. Still hot and humid, March is the mosquitos' favorite month, especially around lakes and rivers.

Key event : Easter (date varies)

The nights get cooler in April 

Dry, sunny weather replaces the showers, although you'll need to layer up for early-morning game drives and evenings around the campfire. Wildlife watching starts to improve as the rains from the highlands of Angola start their long journey to fill the delta. Antelope mating season is underway, so watch out for males strutting their stuff and locking horns to impress the females.

Clear skies arrive in May

Winter brings clear skies and more moderate temperatures, although you should come prepared for some frosty nights, especially in the Kalahari. With wildlife in search of permanent water sources, it’s an ideal time to head to  Moremi Game Reserve , which covers one-third of the Okavango Delta, and Savuti in Chobe National Park. May is also a good time to tie in a trip to nearby  Victoria Falls , which will be at its thunderous best.

Visit in June to see rare African wild dogs

By mid-June, visitor numbers start to climb – and so do prices. Days are generally warm and sunny, followed by cold nights. If you're desperate to see African wild dogs, the denning season runs from June to September, when these endangered predators stay close to home to watch over the pups.

July is the peak of peak season

Wildlife is concentrated around water holes, although you'll share sightings with more vehicles. In private reserves and concessions, it's also a great time to enjoy guided walking safaris to spot smaller flora and fauna. Between July and September is the best time to hang out with gangs of meerkats in Makgadikgadi and turn your eyes to the sky for stellar stargazing.

Key events : President’s Day

The Okavango Delta fills up with wildlife in August

By day, it's all clear skies and rising temperatures, but nights are chilly, often dropping below freezing. Water levels are at their highest in the delta, attracting wildlife in droves and making this the perfect time for gliding on a mokoro past herds of thirsty elephants. Note that peak wildlife viewing also means peak prices. 

Try time your trip to catch the Nkashi Classic , an annual time-trial mokoro race to find the fastest poler in the entire Okavango Delta. The Botswana Wild Bird Trust (a Public Benefit Organization) founded the first competition in Maun in 2018, and polers compete in three categories: female, male, and veteran.

Key event: The Nkashi Classic

September means dry weather and excellent wildlife spotting

September is dry, hot and dusty, but clear skies and sparse vegetation mean excellent visibility as wildlife congregates at the rapidly shrinking waterholes. Evenings start to warm up too, perfect for a sundowner around the campfire.

Key event : Botswana Day, also known as Boipuso

The heat is on in October   

If you can stand the heat of October in Botswana, wildlife is easy to spot, especially in the early mornings and evenings: huge herds of elephants around the Chobe River, hippos squabbling over wallowing space and predators stalking the plentiful prey around water holes. Prices are still high but start to drop toward the end of the month. The barbel run occurs in the Okavango Panhandle at this time year, too, when water levels drop after winter's floods. As the water recedes, barbel fish flush out small baitfish from the papyrus, chasing and trapping them against reed beds in a carnivorous fish frenzy, followed by countless hungry birds. The timing varies yearly depending on the flood but typically occurs between September and October. 

Key event: Barbel Run

The skies open in November  

Rains arrive and the smell of the first drops on dry African soil is one you will never forget. The rainy summer season begins (though it's not always on schedule) with short, heavy showers throughout the day that begin to turn the parched landscape a vibrant green. November is when many herbivores give birth, attracting the attention of the resident big cats. Temperatures dip slightly – but it's still hot, so look out for well-fed lions snoozing in the shade and leopards lounging up trees. Prices also take a dip.

Migrating birds arrive in December

Humid mornings spark afternoon thunderstorms that lower temperatures briefly. With the rains, the desert bursts into bloom, feeding young antelopes and giving them a fighting chance against the lions, leopards and cheetahs that come prowling around. Migratory birds arrive, including jewel-colored kingfishers, vociferous cuckoos and flamboyant bee-eaters.

Key events : Christmas, New Year’s Eve

This article was first published July 2022 and updated October 2023

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Best Time to Go to Botswana

Best time to go to botswana for safari.

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, with May to October being the most popular time to visit, seeing clear days, cooler temperatures and the best chance of seeing the big five. October and April are the shoulder seasons and are still likely to have dry, bright days. Lying south of the equator, Botswana’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with unpredictable rainy months throughout the summer and opposite seasons to that in the northern hemisphere.

In contrast, the green season, which spans from December to April, offers its own unique charm. While the occasional afternoon rain shower restores the landscape, it's during this period that the lush, emerald vegetation emerges, attracting migratory birds that fill the air with their melodic calls. If you're a birdwatching enthusiast or wish to witness the magic of baby animals taking their first steps, the green season might be the perfect time for your Botswana adventure.

Talk to a Botswana Destination Specialist

The best time to visit botswana.

The peak of the rainy season with an average rainfall of over 100mm a month, January is one of the least favourable times to visit Botswana. Temperatures are cooler and downpours can be somewhat unpredictable, it is much harder to see wildlife as it is more scattered, hiding in the long grasses.

In the more north easterly parts of the Chobe National Park rainfall is the most extreme and south western parks such as Kgalagadi, on average, receive notably less rainfall. Gemsbok are the emblem of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and are often seen in larger groups during the rainy season. They are forced to search out fresh vegetation and become nomadic so you will see them regularly during game drives here.

If you have a particular interest in birds, the rainy season could be the best time for you to visit. Birds of prey are also famous at Kgalagadi, seeking out their targets and going in for the kill, a spectacular sight for birdwatchers and photographers.

Being off-season, January is a significantly cheaper time to visit, although some lodges and camps may be closed.

April to November - Dry Season

The dry season broadly occurs from April to November when you can expect to see clear and near uninterrupted blue skies. June to August are the coolest months when desert temperatures in the Kalahari are known to drop below freezing. From September onwards the heat gradually builds up and peaks, sometimes unbearably in October. Temperature extremes are much more moderate and pleasant in the Okavango Delta. Here, the height of the dry season coincides with the year's highest water levels, which are the most conducive to wildlife sightings. With less land available, the terrestrial animals of the region like elephant, lion and buffalo, will be found congregating around the remaining watering holes. Outside of the Delta, the dry season is easier to travel as roads and trails become more easily traversable and it is easier to spot wildlife in the short grasses and dry plains.

December to March - Wet Season

The wet season sees cooler temperatures and heavy showers, with January and February being the wettest months. The short, sharp showers are often followed by bright sunshine and are unlikely to last all day, so game drives are still possible. These months coincide with the birthing season for many herbivores, and with lots of young around, the possibility of predator-prey interactions is high. Even in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, high concentrations of game can be found making the most of the lush grasses and flowers that cover the usually dry riverbeds. Photographers can make use of the excellent light conditions to capture the land's vibrant colours from behind their lens.

‘Pulu’ is the Setswana word for rain, and this influences much of the locals’ way of life and is vital to Botswana’s communities, they depend on this to grow their crops and for the animals and people to survive.

Safaris & Planning

Botswana Small Group Classic Camping Safari

Spend 10 days on this small group tour heading through Botswana staying in fully serviced en-suite tented camping, throughout the Moremi Game Reserve and exploring the fringes of the Delta by mokoro, explore the Khwai floodplains during the day and night looking for elephant, lion and leopard. You'll head to Chobe to end this trip, taking a boat safari and potentially heading on to Victoria Falls.Visit Chobe National Park and both wet and dry camps in the Okavango Delta for a classic Botswana experience.

Okavango Delta Botswana Safari

Combining Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, staying in both a 'wet' camp and 'dry' camp in the Delta to really get a feel for the iconic landscapes of Botswana.

Ultra-luxury Botswana Safari

A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.

Botswana climate guide

Things to do in botswana, the kalahari desert in bloom.

With the arrival of the rains from December – March the Kalahari Desert bursts into bloom. Dormant seeds in the desert soil sprout, leading to the blossoming of a wide variety of desert-adapted plants and wildflowers. This includes the bright yellow devil's thorn, pink and white star flowers, and the vibrant purple Namibian eye. The increase in vegetation naturally attracts more wildlife and during the Kalahari Desert bloom you can expect to see springbok and oryx grazing on the grasses and flowering plants. The bloom also attracts several bird species including waterfowl and migratory birds.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls can be seen spectacularly from the northern Botswana town of Kasane, especially from February to August, with peak magnificence around May. Kasane, located on the Chobe River, provides an excellent vantage point for this natural wonder. Visitors can take exhilarating helicopter flights that offer panoramic views of the falls in all their glory. Alternatively, local experts lead guided tours that provide more intimate and informative experiences. These options cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a unique and memorable experience with the breath-taking Victoria Falls.

Wildlife Opportunities

If you want to see big cats and wild dogs, travel in the drier months when there is less vegetation for the animals to hide and avoid November to March when there are heavy showers. If you want to see the Zebra Migration, travel to Botswana's salt pans between March and April, for the second largest, yet least known of the great mammal migrations. If you want to see meerkats, travel to the Makgadikgadi Pans between July and September when the migratory herds have left. Read our Botswana wildlife guide for more information on what animals you can observe.

Okavango Delta Mokoro trip

The traditional Mokoro boat ride offers a silent and timeless journey through Botswana's Okavango Delta . As dawn breaks, visitors, led by local custodians, glide effortlessly through labyrinthine channels, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of this untouched sanctuary. The Mokoro becomes a vessel for exploration, navigating hidden corridors teeming with life. The landscape, a living tapestry of swaying papyrus reeds and water lilies, transforms with each stroke of the canoe paddle, revealing a new chapter in the Delta's story.

What to expect from a trip to Botswana

Botswana Safaris

Botswana safari guide – where & when to go, and what to see.

Botswana safaris are truly special. The country doesn’t see as many tourists as most other countries in Southern and East Africa, but this in no way diminishes the quality of the game viewing and safari experience Botswana has to offer – and in many ways, it’s a bonus. Rural Botswana is an inhospitable place for humans, but a country that manages to support an incredible diversity and density of animals. Botswana wildlife is hands down some of the best anywhere in the world.

Botswana is a large, wild country (approximately the size of France) with a decent – but very limited – road network where only the major roads are tarmacked. This makes Botswana a safari destination for the intrepid. If you’re planning on doing an independent, self-drive safari in Botswana a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and spirit of self-reliance are essential to get the most out of your visits to the national parks. The country is easily accessed from South Africa, with the capital Gabaronne just a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg.

Self-drive safaris are a big thing in Botswana and are popular with overland tours and independent travellers alike. You’ll need a rugged 4WD to access all areas, and be confident that you’re totally self-sufficient if camping on your own in the bush. If this safari-style doesn’t appeal then browse our guide to  safari companies in Botswana to speak to a professional.

Geographically Botswana is covered in scrub brush and savannah grasslands, with the occasional impressive geographic feature such as the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe National Park, huge salt pans, and the brutally picturesque Kalahari Desert. The country is landlocked and lies at a fairly consistent average elevation of 1,000m. The windswept and sand-based Kalahari Desert covers over 80% of the country in the south, west, and centre. To the north lies 15,000 km sq of the Okavango Delta, fed by the Okavango River and forming the northern border with Namibia .  To the east lie the great salt and clay desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans and occasional deciduous forests towards the Zimbabwe border.

One of the most impressive African rivers for wildlife, Okavango River supplies year-round water to much of northern Botswana, and ends in the inland Okavango Delta, support a vast array of Southern African mammal species. These include the big five , wild dogs , hippos , hyenas , honey badgers , and a broad range of gazelles and hoofed mammals.

Each year Botswana is home to one of Africa’s largest annual migrations , featuring huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other wild animals as they move from their winter ranges in the Makgadikgadi plains to the summer feeding grounds of the Nxai Pan region. Not as large in scale as the East African ‘ great migration ‘, but there are also far fewer tourists around to take away from the experience. This lack of tourists, the sheer scale of the wilderness and the abundance of game in Botswana’s national parks come together to make Botswana a safari destination that’s hard to better, wherever you visit in Africa.

Useful resources

Book a Botswana safari

Botswana wildlife

Botswana Tourist Board

Bostwana guidebooks

Botswana safari highlights

Okavango delta botswana, fly-in safari.

Safaris don’t come much better or more luxurious than an all-inclusive fly-in safari deep in the Okavango Delta . Take a four-seater flight over the wetlands, wildlife spotting as you’re flown to an exclusive, out-of-the-way lodge for a few days of game drives, safari walks , and boat trips .

Big five spotting

Go big game spotting at Chobe National Park – perhaps Botswana’s most famous national park . Boat safaris are a big draw here, with a waterfront teeming with wildlife… but you’ll have to be very lucky to see all big five from a boat – game drives in a 4X4 jeep are more the order of the day.

Leopard spotting in Moremi

The east side of the Okavango Delta Moremi Game Reserve is regarded as one of the top African leopard hangouts. On the fringes of the delta where water collects in small lagoons and fills grassy floodplains, antelope (and all sorts of other wildlife) are plentiful. Perfect leopard country.

Mokoro safaris on the water

The Okavango Delta offers ample opportunities to get out on to the water for some top-class wildlife viewing. Traditional wooden mokoros are a fun and eco-friendly way to head out on a canoe safari , though propeller boats are on offer too, and can easily be combined with superb walking safaris .

Best time to safari in Botswana

May to August is the best time to organize a safari in Botswana, as during this winter season the days are cool and sunny, and the lack of water drives the wildlife to congregate around permanent water sources. At this time getting around the country is fairly straightforward, with dust rather than water being the main obstacle. During winter months wildlife spotting is easy – simply find a river or watering hole and dig in to wait for the action. Bear in mind is that July and August is school holiday time, meaning more tourists than usual, higher prices for safari accommodation and tours, and busier national parks.

October to April is summer season in Botswana but brings with it severe heat and the rains – occasionally in extreme amounts. Getting around the country by road during summer can be disrupted by flooding, as many of the secondary roads are not tarmacked. Wildlife is also more dispersed and harder to spot, hidden by lush vegetation. An exception to this is in parts of the Okavango Delta where there’s so much flooding that many islands form, trapping wildlife which can be viewed from a boat – though vegetation still causes a problem.

Flights To Botswana

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Botswana Accommodation

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National parks in Botswana

All national parks in Botswana are run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), based in Gaborone, who enforce a strict no driving after dark rule in the parks. ( See this great article on driving in Botswana .)

Whilst not actually a national park or reserve, Botswana is renowned worldwide for the Okavango Delta region in the north of the country, providing water and supporting an incredible array of African wildlife.

Top Botswana national park picks

• Moremi Game Reserve

The only part of the Okavango Delta that’s officially a national park, Moremi covers almost one-third of the delta, and is packed with wildlife. There’s no public transport so you’ll have to get yourself there, but the trade-off is fewer tourists to share the plethora of wildlife with.

• Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park was Botswana’s first national park at an impressive 11,000 km sq. There’s easy access for spectacular game viewing from a boat on the Chobe river and the network of dirt and gravel roads. The Savuti area in south west Chobe is recognised as having one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Makagadikgadi Nzai Pan National Park

Feel the unfettered freedom of driving through the never-ending parched-white salt pans, or plan your trip for the when the rains come and bird life and herd animals abound, including one of Africa’s largest migrations .

Central Kalahari National Park

One of Africa’s largest protected area at a whopping 52,000 km sq. Braving the tough conditions of Central Kalahari National Park in your own 4WD may reward you with viewings of hyena packs and prides of lions in the unforgiving desert.

All national parks in Botswana

Use the map to locate all national parks in Botswana. Click the icons for more info.

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• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Makgadikgadu National Park
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta

Botswana safari resources

Botswana safari companies.

Though Botswana has a relatively low number of inbound tourists each year, a very high proportion of these come for the wildlife. Around the capital Gabarone and also Maun – the de-facto capital of the Okavango Delta – there are numerous safari tour companies to suit all budgets. Check out our reviews of safari tour companies in Botswana .

Botswana safari lodges

Botswana has a focus on low-impact, high-end safaris, and the accommodation on offer reflects this. Luxury safari lodges are the primary accommodation in Botswana, though there are also mid-range accommodation in the tourist enclaves of Maun and Gabarone. If you have your own tent most safari lodges have an area where you can pitch up for the night, along with decent washing and BBQ facilities as standard. Search and book safari lodges in Botswana , or find all accommodation in Botswana below.

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Safari in Botswana

An expert guide to botswana's best safari reserves, camps and experiences.

Anthony Ham

• In this guide

Okavango Delta

Chobe national park, central kalahari game reserve, makgadikgadi pans national park.

• Need to know
• Getting around
• How it works

Of all the places I’ve been on safari in Africa, I think Botswana tops the list. There is so much to enjoy and, unlike in bigger safari destinations, in Botswana you’ll see a lot more wildlife than other travellers.

Botswana is where I went on my first self-drive safari, and, to this day, it remains my pick as the best place to drive yourself out into the wild in Africa. All but the inner reaches of the Okavango Delta are accessible in your own 4WD, and the experience of driving out into, and sleeping overnight in, lion country, or the amazing world of elephants, or miles from the nearest human being, remains my favourite way of going on safari.

At the heart of Botswana’s appeal are its signature wildlife destinations whose names – the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve – read like a roll-call of storied wildlife kingdoms. And it’s not just the wildlife. From the deep greens and blues of the Delta in flood to the yellows and reds of the Kalahari, or the blinding whites of the salt pans, there is something elemental about Botswana’s call to the wild. In the following pages I’ll explain some of my Botswana safari highlights, and how you can see them for yourself.

featured botswana safaris

Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

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Best of Botswana Lodge Safari

Makgadikgadi Pans & Okavango Delta Safari Adventure

Botswana's Northern Highlights

10 day small group tour.

Okavango Delta horse riding safari

Discover botswana's amazing wildlife.

Affordable Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari

Chobe Camping Safaris

Okavango Kayaking Expedition

Unique camp-to-camp safari adventure.

Botswana Wildlife Camping Safari

Botswana's hidden gems.

Unlike Africa’s safari giants like Kenya , Tanzania , and South Africa , Botswana remains blissfully under the radar. Yet, it too faces the travel industry's irritating habit of focusing on the popular easy sellers at the expense of everywhere else. There's much more to Botswana than the Okavango Delta. In this guide I'll show you some of my favourite lesser-known Botswana safari spots.

Aerial view of the vast Okavango Delta, one of the best safari destinations in Africa

The best safaris in Botswana

Popular highlights & hidden gems, kgalagadi transfrontier park, tsodilo hills, northern tuli game reserve, okavango panhandle, nxai pan national park, kwando reserve.

Okavango kayaking expedition

Pretty much every Okavango tour itinerary will include a paddle on a traditional mokoro canoe. For something very different, set out on a multi-day, camp-to-camp kayaking expedition through the Delta. Paddle the gentle water spotting the planet's greatest wildlife and camp each night under the stars. Truly unique.

See elephants and more in Chobe National Park

Chobe incorporates two distinct regions: Chobe River (close to the Zimbabwe and Zambia borders), famous for its large elephant herds; and Savute (in the west), where a juxtaposition of contrasting habitats and handful of pumped water holes sustain a melting pot of species.

Chobe in general, but especially the riverfront, has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa and close-up sightings are almost guaranteed. Lions and leopards are also possible here, with giraffe, zebra, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles all commonly seen.

Game drives are the order of the day in Savute where wildlife-viewing is good year-round. Savute is known for its predators – I’ve always had luck with lion, leopard and cheetah here, and on my last trip I spent an afternoon watching a highly active den of African wild dogs. As with the rest of Chobe, elephants are everywhere in Savute.

Explore water world in the Okavango Delta

This is a world without fences and, because of the water levels, human settlements are mostly restricted to the Delta’s perimeter, leaving the rest to wildlife.

In the southern part of the Delta, including in Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Concession, expect a mix of luxury tented camps and budget campsites catering mostly to those on self-drive safaris. The deeper you go into the Delta, the more the crowds thin, with entire concessions given over to the exclusive lodges and tented camps that are such a feature of a safari in Botswana. For most of the tourist season, many of these camps and lodges can only be reached by small plane. Out here, I’ve had the wildlife entirely to myself.

Taste true wilderness in the Central Kalahari

Measuring 52,000 square kilometres, I think this vast wilderness is a signature Botswana safari experience. Known for its golden grasslands, salt pans, sand dunes covered in vegetation and wide former river valleys, it’s a soulful experience that’s custom-made for a self-drive safari.

The mammal density and diversity are not quite a match for the northern parks making it less well-suited to first-time safari travellers but for the feel of a true African wilderness, CKGR is tough to beat.

Hugging the park’s northern boundary, the Hainaveld consists of a handful of compact, segregated, privately-owned reserves. The denser habitat means the landscape is less scenic than inside the park, but pumped waterholes concentrate the game in the dry season. Several of the lodges employ local Kalahari bushmen with legendary tracking skills, who will also teach you about their way of life on a guided walk.

Off the beaten path in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

In the far south of Botswana, this transfrontier park spills over into South Africa. The Botswana side of the park receives far fewer visitors than the South African sections across the border.

The scenery here consists of a dense scrubland and some of the loveliest salt-pan scenery anywhere in Botswana. With a number of hills overlooking these pans, they’re spectacular places, especially at sunset, and many of the self-drive campsites take full advantage of these hilltop positions.

Kgalagadi is known for its classic Kalahari wildlife, and aside from the usual oryx (gemsbok), giraffe and wide range of antelope species, I’ve always had luck with the extravagantly horned greater kudu, lion, cheetah and even a fleeting glimpse of meerkats.

The park provides habitat for nearly 300 different bird species, and I was particularly thrilled when the elusive Kalahari scrub robin and the vivid violet-eared waxbill visited my campsite one evening.

Ancient history in the Tsodilo Hills

Rising from the barren, sandy plains of the Kalahari in a remote corner of north-western Botswana, these four hills project a certain kind of magic. Sacred to the indigenous San people and reputed to possess mystical powers (as Laurens van der Post found in the 1950s on a visit that formed the centrepiece of his classic The Lost World of the Kalahari), the Tsodilo Hills are best known as one of the world’s finest galleries of ancient rock art. More than 4,500 artworks – mostly paintings, but engravings, too – adorn the rock walls of the range, and some date back thousands of years.

Walking trails lead past the artworks that range in subject matter from whales and penguins (despite Tsodilo Hills being more than 1000 km from the ocean) to lions and human figures. I highly recommend you visit with a local guide to greatly enhance your visit.

Unless you’re self-driving and staying at one of the campsites in the shadow of the Tsodilo Hills, there is no accommodation nearby.

Explore Northern Tuli Game Reserve

In the far southeastern corner of the country and formerly divided into a number of segregated farms alongside the Limpopo River, NTGR is now one of the largest privately-owned conservation areas in southern Africa. The spectacular landscape, featuring rolling hills, basalt cliffs, ancient riverbeds and towering granite kopjes , is unlike anywhere else in Botswana. In fact, when combined with its impressive portfolio of wildlife, it remains a mystery to me why more people don’t visit this remarkable place.

Expect regular sightings of elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard and cheetah as well as less common species like eland and klipspringer, and over 350 bird species. Ground-level photographic hides, ancient archaeological ruins and a choice of horse-riding, walking or even cycling safaris complete a chocolate box-assortment of activities.

Spot the flamingoes of Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for hosting one of the largest zebra migrations in Africa. Every year, tens of thousands of zebra migrate east-west through the park, between the pans in the east and the Boteti River out west. From high on the riverbank at the latter, I’ve watched zebras swarm down to the water’s edge in a haze of raised dust, dizzying stripes and distinctive zebra barks.

I’ve also seen flamingos away on the eastern pans in flocks so vast that they seem to move as a single entity. And I’ve drawn near to habituated meerkats just outside the park, and seen brown hyenas and aardvarks close to sunset.

Birding in the Okavango Panhandle

Although not a big game destination, the broad and meandering Okavango River in the northwest of the country is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 recorded species including several iconic Okavango specialties. It is also popular among anglers, particularly around September, when the receding flood waters concentrate huge shoals of baitfish, attracting a melee of catfish, tiger fish, bream and birds. Activities are mostly by boat or on foot.

Other wildlife is far less common, and you’d be lucky to see much more than a crocodile or hippo in the river’s waters.

Zebra migration in Nxai Pan National Park

I’ve always loved Nxai Pan – it’s never busy, my sightings of lion, elephant and cheetah seem perfectly framed by these big horizons, and the baobabs by the salt pans here are a striking presence. With a handful of campsites (including at remote Baines’ Baobabs, a remarkable cluster of seven ancient baobabs (named after explorer and painter, Thomas Baines) and just one upmarket lodge, there’s rarely more than a couple of other vehicles at any sighting.

As well as plenty of elephant, and a good chance of seeing lion and cheetah, Nxai Pan has a couple of other wildlife highlights to draw you here. After the rains, thousands of zebra migrate here from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers after the rains forming part of Africa’s longest zebra migration. And for reasons unknown, Nxai Pan is the only place in Botswana where you can see springbok and impala in the same place.

Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Reserves

Scattered along the northern waterways of the perennial Linyanti and Kwando rivers, and the seasonal Selinda spillway, the camps in these three neighbouring private concessions operate in a similar manner to those inside the Okavango Delta.

Game-viewing is as good as in the Okavango, with predator-tracking a particular specialty of the Kwando camps. Most camps offer game or wildlife drives, mokoro boat trips, and sunset boat excursions.

What you see in these parts depends very much on the time of year you visit. In Linyanti, for example, from May to October, expect to see lots of elephants, while zebras migrate through the area, usually from February to April. At other times, wildlife can be very scarce, although the November-to-April wet season is excellent for birding in all three concessions, with migrants from Europe and North Africa here en masse.

Chitabe & Qorokwe concessions

In 25 years of African travel, I’ve never seen as much high-quality wildlife as I have in these fabulous Okavango concessions. Over two recent days, I saw leopards, nearly 30 lions, dozens of elephants, a pack of 20 wild dogs, and a cheetah mother with six sub-adult cubs.

Splash Camp

Rory Sheldon

Splash Camp is a small camp in the private Kwara Reserve. Operated by Kwando Safaris who have better responsible travel credentials than most: locally based, no greenwashing, and supporting valuable community projects.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Botswana doesn’t have many rhinos but most of them are here in this small, little-known sanctuary, in Paje, east of Central Kalahari Game Reserve. On a recent visit, I was waylaid for nearly an hour by two male black rhinos fighting for dominance right along the main track.

See the baobabs of Kubu Island

For the best of the pans, Kubu Island is a glorious ‘island’ of baobabs south of Makgadikgadi. This was the first place I ever camped in Botswana, and the magic has never left me.

Camp out in Khutse Game Reserve

The southern extension of the CKGR, Khutse gets very few visitors (except on weekends). I love its remote campsites (I once slept here, 40 km from the nearest person), its classic Kalahari scenery, and its lions, leopards and so much more.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Out in the east of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the pans of this rarely visited community sanctuary draw up to 250,000 flamingos and other waterbirds from November or December until March or April.

Planet Baobab

A budget-friendly option with self-drive access, offering all the activities of its more expensive sister camps on the edge of the pans.

Savute Under Canvas

Easily the pick of the mobile camps in Chobe, &Beyond’s tented camp moves around the park almost weekly and captures the spirit of a mobile camp at its best.

Botswana Camping Safaris

Into Botswana & Zimbabwe

15 day small group tour, botswana safaris: need to know, everything you wish you'd known before you booked, inside tip: self-drive safaris.

Much is made of Botswana aiming for high-end, low-density safari tourism and it’s not uncommon for a luxury camp in the Delta to cost well over US$1,000 per person per night in high season. But it’s actually the mid-range, rather than budget, traveller that finds it difficult to build a reasonably priced safari in Botswana.

Much as the Botswana government prefers not to publicise the fact, it has a fantastic network of campsites around the country. Some are privately run, others are run by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Standard camping fees are USD $50/25 per adult/child. You can book directly through the park authorities or the private operators of the campsites, but you're better off booking through an agent. Renting a 4WD camper can seem expensive, but a two-week self-drive safari could end up costing the same for two people as one day on a fly-in, fly-out safari.

The best times for safari in Botswana

My favourite time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, June to September. During this time, most 4WD tracks are open, water levels in the Delta are ideal for mokoro trips and wildlife watching.

This period also corresponds with the high tourism season (which usually starts in June or July), so it’s also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year. During these months, it can also get extremely cold overnight and early morning throughout much of the Kalahari.

May or October can be a good compromise, although there’s a risk that the rains could linger or arrive early.

Access to the Delta may be limited, but the best months for birding are from November to March or April, when hundreds of migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa.

Getting there & around

Although Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, the overwhelming majority of safari visitors to Botswana fly into Maun, in the country’s north-west. Maun is right alongside the Okavango Delta and not far from the Kalahari, and it has lots of safari companies, hotels, camps and restaurants and places to stock up on supplies making it the ideal gateway town.

Those heading to Chobe National Park may fly into Kasane, in the north-east. Kasane receives fewer international flights than Maun, but its proximity to Victoria Falls (84 km away by road, across the border in Zimbabwe) makes it well worth considering.

How a Botswana safari works

There are two main ways to go on safari in Botswana. One is to fly into Maun or Kasane (perhaps stay overnight, perhaps not) and then fly into one of the airstrips of the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. There you’ll be picked up by your accommodation, and then fly in and out of however many tented camps you’ll be staying in.

You can book all of this yourself, but most international visitors tend to book it via a tour operator.

The other option is a self-drive trip. You can fly into Maun or Kasane (or even Johannesburg) and pick up a 4WD, which will usually have a rooftop tent or other camping equipment. You’ll then drive yourself from one campsite to the next. Road and driving conditions in Botswana are significantly better than elsewhere in Southern Africa, but you’ll need to take obvious precautions such as driving during the day time and ensuring you’ve got sufficient supplies for long journeys.

Safari in the Okavango Delta

About the author.

Anthony is a renowned travel journalist and guidebook author and is one of the world's leading authorities on Africa safari, wildlife and conservation. He has been travelling to Africa for more than two decades to research Africa safari guidebooks for Lonely Planet. He is widely published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR), National Geographic Traveler, BBC Wildlife, Lonely Planet Traveller, Africa Geographic, The Independent, Travel Africa, among many others.

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When should I visit Botswana?

An unimaginable year-round african safari experience.

• Indian Ocean Islands
• South America
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park
• Makgadikgadi Pans
• Mashatu Game Reserve
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta

As a safari destination, Botswana is difficult to top; a safari-goers bucket list item no doubt.

Regarded as one of the most exclusive and wilderness-rich year-round African safari destinations, few countries truly offer as much as Botswana. Boasting vast areas of protected natural terrains, pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife throughout the country’s ‘green’ and ‘dry’ seasons. Botswana prides itself in showcasing some of the very best when it comes to safaris.

Botswana’s ‘dry season’ (from May to October), where the days are warm and sunny with cool evenings, is when the Okavango Delta water levels are at their highest, creating a magical maze of waterways and channels waiting to be explored. While the country’s ‘green season’ (from November to April) promises travellers fewer crowds and verdant foliage, plus the unforgettable sight of delicate new-borns as they take their first steps.

Whenever you choose to explore Botswana; prepare to be amazed.

Bless the rains down in the Kalahari

Summertime in Botswana means beautiful, fresh rainfall. Think hot, humid days with spectacular thunderstorms and long, heavy showers making for an incredibly diverse safari experience.

While the Kalahari Desert revels in the life-saving rain, teeming with life from every inch of its dry surface, the Okavango Delta shrivels to a third of its size. At times wildlife sightings may be somewhat unpredictable, but the green season is truly the best time for birding with migrant and breeders in abundance.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

February continues the peak rainy season. This means the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is in its prime with green, grassy sceneries boasting new-born antelope in abundance. A tender and rewarding sighting. The Nxai Pans too attract large numbers of zebra, springbok and oryx with predators, especially lion, never too far away.

With the rain too comes a great variety of birdlife with numerous migrant species and large flocks, especially flamingos, descending on the pans. The magnificent wattled cranes takeover the Okavango Delta in their hundreds while African skimmers are often seen swooping down to catch their prey, making for a fantastic sighting for avid birders and photographers.

Add one of these incredible experiences to your travels for an once-in-a-lifetime journey.

A photographer’s playground

As summer steadily starts to come to an end with temperatures cooling and rains beginning to slow down, afternoons are renowned for turning moody with some scattered showers making for an ideal backdrop for scenic and landscape photographers. Dazzles of zebra remain in the Kalahari while elephants start to make their way to the Okavango Delta in search of ripened marula tree fruit. While the low Okavango Delta water levels may hinder mokoro trips, the landscapes are extremely striking and boats out to the deeper channels are typically available year-round.

Nxai Pan National Park is especially wonderful at this time of year as migrating grazers make the most of the lush grassland and abundant surface water.

Excellent game viewing

Offering travellers a happy medium between the two seasons, April sees cooler mornings and evenings with warm days and little-to-no rain. With the improving weather comes fantastic game viewing opportunities too, from now all the way until October.

The floodwaters begin to slowly reach the panhandle of the Okavango Delta (hitting full flow by the end of May). The bush is still green and dense, but is starting to open up with watering holes slowly drying up encouraging wildlife to make their way to more permanent sources such as the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Breeding season for various antelope is well underway, and the males are often seen busy butting heads and strutting their “stuff” as they strive to impress the females.

Thrilling adventures await

May is considered one of the best all-round months for visiting Botswana with excellent game viewing opportunities throughout the country. With almost no rainfall, watering holes are now dry, forcing the last of the stragglers to move towards the more permanent water sources. This is an ideal time to head to the Chobe River or Okavango Delta to spot an array of wildlife quenching their thirst. While surface water evaporates, seasonal floodwaters are slowly filtering down to the delta (hitting full flow by the end of May), although this will take another few months to truly percolate all the way down to the southeast.

For the more courageous safari-goers, quad bike excursions in the Makgadikgadi Pans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser plus river cruises and photographic boating safaris along the Chobe River are a must.

Turn the tide

From now until September the Okavango River is in full flood making for incredible mokoro and water-based excursions. While June and July are considered Botswana’s coldest months, with temperatures known to drop below zero, they too offer some of the best safari sightings across Africa.

Botswana won’t see another drop of rain for the next six months. This means the vegetation across the country has thinned considerably ensuring prime game-viewing prospects. In search of water, wildlife congregate in large numbers along the fridges of the Okavango Delta and on the northern waterways of the Savuti Channel and Chobe Linyanti River System. Expect frequent sightings of elephant, buffalo and antelope. African wild dogs can also be spotted as they begin searching for suitable dens for their pups.

June also sees the start of the best season for guided walking safaris in private concessions, especially the Linyanti region.

Water, water, water

Warm days with cooler evenings and bone-dry weather coupled with incredible game viewing opportunities makes July one of the most popular months to visit Botswana.

Despite it now being the dry season, the floodwaters filter through from the central uplands of Angola. Botswana is renowned for mokoro rides, and this is a rewarding time (between June and September) to get out on the water as the channels fill up providing adventurers with a different perspective, spotting wildlife from the water’s surface. Prime time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife as they congregate in the thousands along the water channels.

Zebra, in their masses, are well known for spending the summer months (from now until December) along the banks of the Chobe River. Once the rains start to fall in November and December, the herds will begin their long journey towards Nxai Pan National Park in search of lush, green grazing lands. Known as the Nxai Pan Zebra Migration – this is Botswana’s first zebra migration.

July is also a great time to travel with families as due to low levels of rain mosquitoes are almost non-existent during this time.

Here tiger, tiger…

As the winter season progresses in Botswana; clear, blue skies stretch above the vast landscape. In the Okavango Delta, water levels are at their highest and have now reached as far south as Maun. Game viewing along the waterways is at its best and will remain so until the first rains in November.

Late August marks the start of the barbell (catfish) run in the northwest panhandle. From now to November it is also an exceptional time to catch tigerfish. Between August and September another rare find is the southern carmine bee-eaters. One of the most vibrant members of the bee-eater family with their pinkish-red plumage, this is an incredible sighting for birders and non-birders alike.

With an array of water-based activities to choose from and enjoy between June and September, Botswana offers travellers a truly rare and unrivalled safari experience, on land and water.

Starring the Big Five, and more…

It is said the best time to spot the Big Five in Botswana is right at the end of the country’s parched winter. Continuing into October, September is one of the hottest and driest months of the year where food and water become dangerously scarce. While this makes life difficult for wildlife; finding and spotting game, especially the Big Five, can be somewhat easier for safari-goers as large numbers of animals crowd the only available food and water sources in the region. The Chobe and Linyanti Rivers are particularly impressive during this period as thousands of creatures rely on these water supplies for survival. Watch out for prowling black-maned lions as they stalk large herds of springbok, oryx and red hartebeest along the river banks.

September is also one of the last months where mokoro and boat excursions as well as guided walking safaris are available.

Extra (extra) hot

October is Botswana’s hottest month. Spend time along the Chobe River viewing the incredible herds of thirsty elephants. Known for drinking up to 200 litres of water a day, after a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river trumpeting wildly in joy and thirst.

Game viewing is easy during October as landscapes are clearer due to the grazed-down vegetation. If you’re lucky, you may also see, or more noticeably hear, the gorgeous lilac-breasted rollers chatting away as they swiftly manoeuvre across the Okavango during their breeding season. These multi-coloured birds are loud and abundant throughout the delta – an incredible sighting to behold.

Spring shoulder season

November is recognised as the ‘spring shoulder season’ in Botswana. Think soaring thunderclouds, returning migrant birds and, once the rains arrive, fields of new-born calves, with hungry predators lurking not too far away.

It’s also a rather unpredictable month as depending on the timing of rains, it could be very wet or very dry. One thing for sure, though, it will still be exceptionally hot. Game viewing is still relatively good as animals stick to the watering holes and surrounding vegetation.

A dazzling Christmas

Thunderstorms return to Botswana with bursts of rain nourishing the landscapes, helping the vegetation to recover and grazing lands to return. New-born calves frolic on the rich Kalahari plains, often targeted by the ever-present predators. As the pans slowly fill, more and more animals are drawn to the central parks and both the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Nxai Pans National Parks boast abundant wildlife at this time of year. The Savuti region is also packed with excellent game.

Botanists and birdwatchers alike are often drawn to Botswana in December attracted by the impressive amount of trees and flowers coming into full bloom and lush, green landscapes teeming with migratory birds such as kingfishers, cuckoos and kites.

Botswana’s second migration, the Makgadikgadi zebra migration (this time often accompanied by wildebeest) is most prevalent during December. While the migration between the Boteti River and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans can be seen at any time of the year, from now through to March, once the rains have fallen, the best time to view these graceful back-and-white striped creatures is while they feed on the seasonal green grasses of the Makgadikgadi Pans ecosystem. For the rest of the year the zebra can be found along the Boteti River.

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Weather & climate

Botswana: Weather & climate

The best time to visit botswana, weather in other african countries.

January : one of the wettest months of the year; the humidity level is very high.

February : the rain is heavy, the bush is thick and it's a great time of year for birdwatching

March : often dry and sunny days, but thunderstorms possible.

April : a very fresh, green month; some rain but also clear weather.

May : the landscape is beautiful and green, the air is very clear with some rain around.

June : start of the peak season as the weather dries up, although nights can be very cold.

July : nights can be close to freezing, but during the day it warms up quickly.

August : a clear and dry month.

September : temperatures warming up; great time for game viewing.

October : the hottest month: average tempertures in the mid 30°C's.

November : an unpredictable month; can be really hot or cooling down with the first rain.

December : the rainy season begins.

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Botswana Tours in February 2025

• Apr '24
• May '24
• Jun '24
• Jul '24
• Aug '24
• Sep '24
• Oct '24
• Nov '24
• Dec '24
• Jan '25
• Feb '25
• Mar '25

43 Botswana trips in February 2025

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Botswana Tour with Mobile Camping Safari, Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

BOTSWANA – Moremi Reserve Chobe NP Photographic Safari

• Overland Truck

Botswana and Falls Overland: Wildlife Walks & Safari Drives

A trip of a lifetime! We visited amazing places with jawdropping scenery. The Okavango delta is an absolute must, such as Victoria falls. The tour was camping all the way, but the campsites were clean and well equipped. The CEOs were professional,funny with good knowledge of history, nature, culture and politics. They cooked very well too. It is a fast paced tour but this is the only way to squeeze so much into two weeks.

9 Days, Ultimate Chobe, Elephant Sands ,Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta Safari & Moremi

• Wildlife Trekking

Premium Botswana (3 destinations)

Delta & Falls Westbound: Natural Wonders & Wildlife

An excellent itinerary and two of the best guides you could hope for.

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Makgadikgadi Pan, Maun & Nxai Pan National Park: Unite With The Wild Side Of Botswana

We had a wonderful time! Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba were excellent as drivers, guides, cooks, and problem solvers. We ate very well indeed. I will comment that the tour we took was quite different from the stated description of it. For example, we did not go to the salt pan. It seems that Rocky, the boss of the crew, received a different itinerary than what we thought we would be doing. How did that happen? The places we did go were terrific, and it was not until the second last day of the trip, that we realised the discrepancy. Rocky offered us a way to go to the salt pan, but for a couple of reasons, we declined that offer. Please note that I am not complaining about Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba. They followed the information they had received. I will also say that while we were accepting of the situation, some people could have reacted differently, and that would not have been fair to our crew. To summarise, we loved the trip! Credit to Rocky, Jimmy, and Simba for looking after us so well and sharing their beautiful country with us. Sincerely, Arthur George Busch

5-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Camping Safari

I loved the trip. We had so many memorable experiences. The staff, lead by Beneh, Dominic and Annah, were delightful. As a 69 year old I found the heat and the long drives over rough roads challenging but worthwhile. We saw so many eautiful

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Game Drive, Boat and Safari Walks Experience

Tailor-Made Botswana Adventure to Okavango Delta with Daily Departure

2 NIGHTS CHOBE

Had a great experience. Everyone was kind, clean and a pleasure to interact with. I highly recommend!

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5 Days Safari tour itinerary for Maun & Moremi game reserve: Play With The Wilderness Of Okavango Game Reserve-Botswana

8 Days Safari tour itinerary for Botswana: Venture Into The Untamed Wilderness Of Africa

Delta & Falls Discoverer

I have travel 100 countries, but never had such amazing guide/CEO as Prince,he is the best of the best even been on the way for 80 days none stop he deliver every single day. Best regards Eberg

• Kayak & Canoe

9 Day Wilderness & Desert Trail: Okavango & Kalahari - Wild Camping Safari, all-inclusive

Great Safari. The tour operator is excellent. Great communication, the food was wonderful. Amazing what the chef could cook on a fire pit. We saw tons of animals including lions with cubs, hyenas, wild dogs and pups, leopards, elephants, giraffes wildebeest, tons of different antelopes, hyppos, several very cool birds. Our guide Cliff was excellent, very experience driver, even help another tour operator that was stuck in the sand. Only regrets was that we wish we had a few extra days. Great experience, will do it again.

What people love about Botswana Tours in February

Well organised and good activities.

The included food was a bit disappointing. I am vegetarian and informed the company well in advance however, some evenings I would receive just vegetables whilst other got steaks and vegetables. There were a lot of hidden costs with the trip. Some meals are not included, which is fine, but the itinerary says that some meals are not included to allow us to try local food. The days that we had to buy our own food, there were no local options and the only options were quite expensive and we had no choice but to buy it. Another hidden cost was the compulsory 'tip' for camping in the delta, the guide called this a tip when in fact it was just the cost of the transport & overnight stay, and it was not listed on the itinerary. Our driver Mike was great, he was welcoming and friendly and gave us lots of local information. Our guide Shadwell was nice but did the bare minimum, he was less sociable than Mike and could be rude at times. The tour/ itinerary was more structured than advertised. Several mornings we were gotten up very early to drive to a new location but when we arrived we'd sit around with nothing to do for hours. The set tasks that everyone had to do felt like we were in school, everyone on the trip is an adult and can and should volunteer to help. Overall we enjoyed the trip, we liked the lando, camping and activities, but we don't feel we got great value for money and would be hesitant to choose another tour.

Destinations

• Okavango February 2025 (25)
• Moremi Game Reserve February 2025 (21)
• Chobe National Park February 2025 (10)
• Victoria Falls February 2025 (4)

Regions in Botswana

• Okavango (25)
• Moremi Game Reserve (21)
• Chobe National Park (10)
• Spring 2024 tours (81)
• Summer 2024 tours (95)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 tours (93)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 tours (74)
• Spring 2025 tours (50)
• Summer 2025 tours (46)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 tours (42)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 tours (30)
• Botswana Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best time to visit Botswana for a Safari

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About Botswana

Welcome to Botswana . This destination is packed with prolific wildlife and lush landscapes. Botswana Destinations offer a land of wild tablelands Chobe National Park , lush grasslands of Okavango Delta , barren Makgadikgadi Salt Pans , the vast Kalahari Desert & many more. Its natural beauty combined with a national focus on conservation makes for a great safari experience. With several parks and reserves, a Botswana Safari offers a topmost choice for wildlife enthusiasts. If you're looking for nature shows of Africa, then Botswana Africa is the right place.

Experience Botswana Wildlife from big to small on your Botswana Tours . Book your stay at one of the best Botswana Accommodations for a long lasting impact. To truly discover the Botswana Tourist Attractions , we’ll create a tailor-made Botswana Holidays . It helps to give you the options to choose between the variety of lodges and luxury tented camps, finding the perfect game viewing, locations and Things To Do In Botswana for you.

Pilanesberg

Garden Route

Port Elizabeth

Kruger National Park

Interesting Facts

Capital City - Gaborone

Botswana Things To Do - Bird Watching, Game Drives, Guided Walks

Botswana Tourism - Stunning Beauty, Unimaginable Vastness

Botswana Wildlife – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Black Rhino & Buffalo

Botswana Safari Packages - Top Most Safaris, Wildlife Tours & Activities

Botswana Safari Cost - Between $125 & $1,500 Per Person Per Night

Botswana Travel Facts - Population, Airport, Flights, Culture & Map

Botswana Travel Requirements - Visa, Currency, Travel Insurance & Packing List

Botswana Accommodations - Budget, Midrange. Luxury Camps & Lodges

Best Time To Visit Botswana - Between May & October during the dry season

Botswana in 60 seconds.

Virtual Trip to Botswana

Falcon Safaris is taking you on a journey to the earths most beautiful and fascinating Botswana Tourist Places . Get inspiration and essentials with our Botswana Travel Guide videos and documentaries for your next Botswana Safari , holiday, and vacation or simply enjoy and get tips about all the beauty in the world...

Botswana is yours to discover. Curate your Botswana Travel experience and allow us to do the rest for you!

National Parks To Visit In Botswana

• 1 Kalahari Central
• 2 Chobe National Park
• 3 Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
• 4 Okavango Delta
• 5 Savuti & Kwai River Valley
• 7 Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

More Information About Botswana

Need to know, season & climate.

The vast wilderness and changeable terrain in Botswana make it a haven for wildlife and one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. As national parks and private game reserves make up 40% of its fenceless territory, huge herds of the game can roam freely across the contrasting landscapes.

The prominent wild fauna includes African buffalo, African bush elephant, black rhinoceros, southern giraffe, African leopard, lion, plains zebra, and several antelope species. The introduction of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 1960 resulted in checking the loss of wildlife in Zimbabwe, since the 1960s.

Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer months. Rainfall tends to be erratic, unpredictable, and highly regional. The summer season begins in November and ends in March. It usually brings very high temperatures. However, summer is also the rainy season, and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down considerably, although only usually for a short period.

The winter season begins in May and ends in August. This is also the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas, especially in the southwest.

Botswana Tours & Safaris

We think you’ll love.

• Central Kalahari (13)
• Chobe National Park (37)
• Makgadikgadi (6)
• Okavango Delta (40)
• Savuti And Kwai (3)

Central Kalahari

7 days - 6 nights, 7 days botswana family safari.

Location: Central Kalahari

8 Days - 7 Nights

8 days more for less.

8 Days Guided Safari Tour Botswana

10 Days - 9 Nights

10 days footsteps of the explorers.

9 Days - 8 Nights

9 days victoria falls and botswana adventure tour.

11 Days - 10 Nights

11 days out of africa.

11 Days African Wildlife Adventure

10 Days Thirstlands of the Kalahari

12 Days - 11 Nights

12 days romantic choice.

13 Days - 12 Nights

13 days classic africa safari in style.

22 Days - 21 Nights

22 days brilliant botswana and namibia.

13 Days Romantic and Luxurious Southern Africa

11 Days Discover Africa

1 Day Chobe to Victoria Falls Day Tour

Location: Chobe National Park

3 Days - 2 Nights

3 days chobe river safari | houseboat adventure.

5 Days - 4 Nights

5 days african thunder | classic victoria falls & chobe.

3 Days Chobe National Park Safari Package

5 Days Botswan Short and Sweet

5 Days Retreat to Romance | Okavango and Chobe Safari

5 Days Elephant Encounter | Luxury Chobe & Okavango

7 Days Under African Sky | Chobe & Okavango Delta

7 Days Untamed Botswana Safari | Chobe & Okavango

8 Days Botswana Green Safari

8 Days Chobe Savute & Moremi Botswana 4x4 Safari

8 Days Economical Escape

9 Days The Magic of Botswana

8 Days Guided Safari Botswana | Okavango Delta & Chobe Trail

9 Days Elephant Encounters Safari

9 Days Okavango Budget Botswana Breakaway

10 Days Chobe to Okavango Delta | Self-Drive Botswana

12 Days Budget Botswana Breakaway

7 Days Flexible Camping

9 Days Taste of Africa

4 Days - 3 Nights

11 days northen explorer.

8 Days Taste of Kenya

Location: Okavango Delta

12 Days Botswana Self-drive SUV Safari

13 Days Safari and Sea

13 Days Sensible Botswana

17 Days - 16 Nights

17 days victoria falls & botswana mobile camping safari.

18 Days - 17 Nights

18 days big foot safari.

9 Nights Botswana Highlights

6 Days - 5 Nights

6 days chobe and the okavango.

7 Days Majestic Journey

Location: Makgadikgadi

7 Days Botswana Wildlife Safari

3 Days Kanana Mokoro Trail

4 Days Intimate Hideaway

4 Days Classic Okavango Delta Honeymoon Safari

4 Days Walking with Giants

5 Days Classic Okavango Delta Family Safari Tour

5 Days Mokoro Trail in The Okavango Delta

5 Days Footsteps Safari

5 Days Ultimate Moremi & Okavango Delta Safari Tour

5 Days Ultimate Wetlands

5 Days Unique Wetlands Deluxe

6 Days Luxury Botswana Honeymoon Safari

7 Days Predators of Okavango and Linyanti

7 Days Okavango Gateway

7 Days Moremi Classic - Miracle Rivers Safari

7 Days Ultimate Luxury Botswana Wildlife Safari

8 Days Wilderness Safari

10 Days Victoria Falls & Botswana Honeymoon Safari

10 Days Northern Explorer

6 Days Ultimate Elephant Safari

8 Days Economical escape

Location: Savuti and Kwai

4 Days Romantic Botswana Getaway Savute, Chobe

Location: Savuti Tours

Travel Guide For Botswana

Why go to botswana, best time to visit botswana, flights & getting to & around botswana, what to pack for botswana safari, visa & passport requirements for botswana, botswana food, botswana wildlife, is botswana safe, botswana currency, botswana culture, botswana travel insurance, botswana safari cost.

Botswana is a great safari destination that boasts outstanding wildlife density and variety, and it is wild and organic without fences and developed tourist facilities. In this sense, it attracts adventurous travellers who are loving about nature and wildlife experiences and who are not nervous in the presence of wild animals. Keen photographers would benefit greatly from a Botswana Holiday at different times of the year, as varying locations offer unique and interesting natural scenery, not to mention superb wildlife activity to capture.

Botswana’s primary attraction is its vast wilderness. From the endless palm-covered islands of the Okavango Delta, to the moonscape saltpans of the Makgadikgadi region, it’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking pristine, unfenced surroundings.

The terrain in Botswana is rough with plenty of dust, thick sand, and seasonal flooding, so exploring the country by road – which includes long morning game drives in areas like Savuti – means packing an adventurous spirit and tolerance for the natural elements. On the other hand, Botswana has some impeccable luxury options, with exclusive airstrips, seamless service, world-class food, and supreme comfort, which bring extreme comfort to visitors willing to pay.

Botswana is easily sewn into an itinerary including Victoria Falls and the Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools, Zambia’s South Luangwa, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip; so travellers planning a southern Africa trip should consider including Botswana.

Botswana is the top most safari destination with the best time to visit between June to August. Also, April and May are the Best Time For Safari In Botswana , however, you should expect sprinkled rain showers.

• Average summer temperatures: 18°C to 38°C
• Average winter temperatures: 6°C to 27°C
• Rainy season: October/November to March/April

The Best Time To Visit Botswana — especially for those wanting to go on a Botswana Safari — is during the dry season (May through October), when the grass is low and the trees have less foliage, making it easier to spot animals.

Botswana Climate is mostly hot and dry, and the country's dry season, a popular time to visit, is countered by a distinct rainy season that offers benefits of its own.

In summary, the Best Time To Go To Botswana is:

• May to September  is the most popular time to visit, with clear days and cooler temperatures. This is the best time to for game drives giving you high chances of seeing some of the big five and some beautiful birdlife.
• October and April  are shoulder seasons between summer and winter and therefore are still likely to have fairly dry, bright days.

Get the Best Time To Visit Botswana for climate charts on the best wildlife-viewing times.

The easiest and fastest way to Travel To Botswana is a connecting flight from Johannesburg International Airport (O.R Tambo) in South Africa, although there are also connecting flights from Cape Town and Windhoek (Namibia) available.

From the moment you reach at Botswana , our Travel guides will be there to welcome you. Also we ensure the smooth transfers from airport to camp, camp to camp, and back to your departure point, mainly the Airport.

Gaborone :  Fly to Sir Seretse Khama - Botswana's main international airport - from Johannesburg. Most Botswana Safari travellers avoid it and fly directly to one of the two airports below.

Maun:  Daily Botswana Flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town will provide easy access to the Okavango Delta's gateway airport.

Kasane:  Fly to Chobe's gateway from Johannesburg, Gaborone or Maun.

For travellers, it is more common to fly into Maun Airport (MUB) and Kasana Airport (BBK). When combining a Safari In Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, it is common to fly into Maun and depart from  Victoria Falls Airport  (VFA) in Zimbabwe or Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia.

Charter flights on small aircraft are the best way to getting from place to place in Botswana. Also game drives directed in open-sided 4X4 vehicles.

When Packing For A Botswana Safari , practicality is key. In the summer months, choose clothing in neutral colours and wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing at night and in the early mornings to protect against mosquitoes.

It is best to layer up as the days are still warm and sunny but the night time temperatures can drop close to freezing point during the cooler months.

The most practical items to pack for your  Botswana Safari are:

• Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
• Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
• Shorts or a light skirt
• Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
• Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
• Swim and beachwear
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
• Binoculars and camera equipment

A Botswana Visa for tourist can be obtained on arrival at the airport. Citizens of the Britain, Australia, Canada, USA and some EU countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

British citizens don’t need a visa when travelling to Botswana if they are staying for 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for an additional six months from the date of your entry in Botswana. You also need three clear pages in your passport.

Visitors holding passports from countries that are classified as ‘exempt’ do not need to apply for a visa prior to arriving in Botswana . Instead, they are issued with a short-stay visa at the point of entry for a period of time relevant to the status of the visitor’s country. The time it takes to process a Botswana Visa is 21 working days, this is for all visa types and for all non-exempt countries. Unfortunately, Botswana does not yet allow e-visas.

It is advised to apply for your Botswana visa 1 to 2 months before your trip. The duration of a Botswana visa depends on the number of entries it allows. Botswana multiple entry tourist visa allows a stay of 3 months and is valid for 3 months. While a single-entry visa allows a stay of one month and is valid for one month.

Please check for the latest updates about Visa with your local Botswana Embassies or Consulates, or travel agents, before your departure. It is vital that you carry a valid passport to ease your stay.

You will find different Botswana Food depending on the region you visit.

Sorghum and pearl millet are important food crops in Botswana. Normally it is cultivated in the Kalahari. Also many people eat bogobe. The local beef is famous. Seswaai is unique to the country but Botswana Cuisine also borrows from other parts of Africa. Pap, samp, and the tasty sounding mopane worms are popular.

The Most Popular Food In Botswana includes…..

• Traditional Style Chicken
• Porridge or “bogobe”
• Traditional Drinks

Many soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are produced in factories in Botswana, including  Fanta and Coca-Cola . Local brands are Castle and Lion beers. Milk is fermented to make madila (sour milk) which is eaten on its own or added to porridge. A favorite non-alcoholic homemade drink is ginger beer.

Botswana Wildlife offers the wild and remote, with some of the most prolific Animals in Africa. Botswana has a prosperity of big African animals such as elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo and zebra. Big cats aren’t as widespread, but there are still quite lions to spot. Rhino is also making a comeback here. You can find endangered antelopes and African wild dogs in some of the country’s parks.

The wilds of Northern Botswana safeguard the largest elephant population in the world. Huge breeding herds and large solitary bulls traverse the landscapes of Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. 

• Chobe also boasts the highest bird species diversity in Botswana (468 species), including birds found nowhere else in the country.
• Savute, in the western Chobe region is notorious for its large lion prides, historically numbering up to 30-odd individuals. Savuti’s vast savanna plains are perfect for enjoying sightings of Burchell’s zebra, tsessebe, giraffe, and impala.
• The Okavango Delta is also the best place to see the near-endemic Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, and special waterbirds such as the Lesser Jacana, White-backed night heron and African skimmer.
• At Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Shallow waters flood over seemingly endless pans, attracting thousands of flamingos. Along the Boteti River you can watch Southern Africa’s largest zebra migration here.

Botswana is considered as one of the safest countries in Africa to travel in. Also, tourism is welcomed and valued by the local people in general. There is no reason for tourists to feel unsafe anywhere in Botswana in terms of crime. Botswana Travel Safety is always prioritized by Falcon Safaris.

To stay safe on Botswana Safari , just follow our instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your vehicle outside designated safe areas.

If you travel to remote areas, plan your trip ahead of time and make the travel and accommodation arrangements in advance.  Take emergency supplies (including water and fuel) and be prepared for off-road driving conditions. In extremely remote areas, travel in a group or with a satellite phone in case of a breakdown.

Taking photographs or using video equipment near military and government installations is prohibited. Always ask permission before taking photographs of people in Botswana.

Botswana is one of the few African countries that it is safe for children to visit. Travelling with your child in Botswana should not have many problems. Children should remain within your sight at all times, especially when you are travelling.

US Dollars are normally used in Botswana. But, it is significant to bring local currency in smaller denominations during your Botswana Safari Trip , for small payments, tips, etc. Your Money can be swapped at Botswana Airport , Bureaux de Change, authorized dealers, and banks.

The currency in Botswana is Pula, which is a Tswana word meaning “rain”. Rain is cherished and welcomed because it brings life to the Kalahari. Pula is used throughout the country and is the accepted form of payment in restaurants, shops, and at hotels or lodges; however, most places in Maun, Kasane, Francistown, Gaborone, and other major towns accept international bank cards. ATMs are located in the above mentioned towns and one can withdraw cash before heading into the parks and reserves where there are unlikely to be card facilities. Foreign currency is often accepted as a tip or gratuity to helpful staff and safari guides.

Botswana Banks accepts the following foreign currencies: US Dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euro and South African Rands in cash.

Credit and debit cards, including International Visa and MasterCard, are accepted at most lodges. However, Express and Diners Club are not accepted by the banks of Botswana either by the camps.

Botswana has a typically homogenous culture with strong beliefs. Most people are Christian and Tswana-speaking but English is widely spoken. Also, many San Bushmen still follow their traditional way of life. Most of the Botswana Population lives especially in the capital city of Gaborone, leaving much of the country fully wild and unoccupied.

Moreover Botswana Culture is famous every year in a memorial festival called 'Letsatsi la Ngwao' - Botswana Culture Day.

Travellers greeting local Batswana will notice that the spoken “dumela rra/mma” (man/woman) is accompanied by a handshake with the right hand while the left hand moves to gently grasp one’s own right forearm. This greeting is commonly shared between local people, and tourists are welcome to take part in the tradition.

A large number of people from Botswana and indeed southern Africa belong to a religion called Zionism, which is based on a fusion of African traditions and the Christian faith. Members of the ZCC (Zion Christian Church), by religious guidance, do not eat pork, drink alcohol, or consume drugs, while some solely consume the white meat of chicken and fish, eradicating red meat from their diets altogether.

Zionists can be recognised by some items of clothing, which on days of worship consist mostly of yellow and green, while most members often wear a lapel or badge of green cloth adorned with a metal badge indicating which branch of the church they belong to. Men also wear hats to indicate their religious affiliation.

Complete Botswana Travel Insurance is encouraged for anyone travelling through Botswana. It is no secret that these adventures of a lifetime come with their associated risks, i.e. wild animals, challenging terrain and road conditions, and poor public health services, so taking out travel and medical insurance that will cover specific area-related medical emergencies or unexpected incidents is the safest and most recommended way to go.

Before embarking on a Trip To Botswana , travellers should make sure they have comprehensive medical cover for specific activities they might like to participate in while on Botswana Holiday . One should be covered for any incidents relating to wild animals and should have authorisation for a medical evacuation, so that the necessary measures can be taken in an emergency in a remote area. Taking out insurance to protect cash, camera equipment, and baggage is also advisable, and should fall under comprehensive cover. It is recommended that prior to departure, travellers have a copy of their medical and travel insurance policies and an emergency phone number to call so that this information is available when fellow travellers, guides, lodge staff, or emergency personnel might need it.

Travel Insurance For Botswana should also be taken out to cover the traveller in case of an unexpected change in holiday itinerary or an unforeseen cancellation. One should also ensure they have access to money via credit card or an electronic funds transfer, as it is likely that payment for medical treatment will have to be paid up front and then claimed back from the insurance company later.

Botswana Safari Cost is mostly depending upon the Lodges/Camps fee. The starting price for the more basic lodges/ camps is £500 per person per night and inclusions vary. Luxury lodge/ camp prices start from £900 per person per night and are generally fully inclusive. Prices can get up to circa £2,000 per person per night; when you pay this you are paying for some of the best properties in the world.

Botswana is an expensive holiday destination in comparison to neighbouring safari country, South Africa. Lodges and camps charge high prices, and additional activities, private guides, exclusive use of lodges or game viewers come at a fair price too. Domestic flights and national park fees add to costs.

A great Holiday In Botswana would last about a week to ten days, giving travellers enough time to see at least two of the country’s best natural areas; perhaps the Okavango Delta, Savuti Marsh, and Chobe River. Booking to visit during peak season would also ensure the best wildlife experience, and the most comfortable weather conditions; however, this would also up the price of the visit. A week-long Botswana Safari Holiday visiting the three destinations mentioned here during peak season in Botswana could cost about US$8000 per person.

best month to Visit Botswana

Botswana safari in january.

This is one of Botswana’s highest rainfall months with an average of 100mm falling in often unpredictable and heavy downpours, and as a result January is not the most popular time to visit. It does mean that prices are a lot lower, making this prime safari destination more accessible to travellers on a lower budget. Birding is excellent at this time of year; however the water levels in the Delta are low, and the presence of water means wildlife is scattered.

Botswana’s climate is fairly regular and consistent, with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The north gets the most rain, and precipitation decreases steadily as you head south. December and January are the wettest months, with average daily temperatures between 30°C and 35°C, and hot days approaching 40°C. The most extreme conditions are in the Central Kalahari, but even there nights seldom drop below 15°C.

Botswana Safari in February

Perhaps Botswana’s rainiest month with long showers, and hot and humid weather, temperatures ranging from mid-20s to 30s(C).

The heavy rain makes some parts of the parks (i.e. Moremi) either inaccessible or very tricky to navigate by road, but in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the landscape is a green, grassy paradise with lots of newborn antelope and a great variety of birds.

Botswana Safari in March

The steady drop in temperature and rainfall continues throughout March, but hot days across the country can still reach the mid 30°C’s. In the south and centre of Botswana, cold nights can drop to 10°C, but tend to stay between 15°C and 20°C in the north. There are still afternoon thunderstorms every few days, which keep the atmosphere clear. March remains an excellent month for spectacular landscape photography.

Botswana Safari in April

The April/May shoulder season is an excellent time to visit Botswana. By April, rainfall has almost completely ceased across the country, although there may still be a few scattered showers. Everywhere is still green and most pans still hold some water, but what is available is getting scarcer, forcing both predators and prey to stay near. Average daytime temperatures are now about 30°C and nights hover around 15°C – pleasant enough for long evenings around the campfire, while also allowing for a more comfortable sleep.

Botswana Safari in May

May is the beginning of Botswana’s dry winter season and there’s usually no rain at all anywhere in the country. Average daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, and it’s generally slightly warmer in the north and cooler in the south. Evenings in the north are now regularly below 15°C and by the end of the month, nights in the Kalahari can fall close to freezing. May is one of the best all-round months for visiting Botswana, with good to excellent game viewing, mild, dry weather and relatively quiet campsites and parks that get much busier later in the season.

Botswana Safari in June

June is another excellent month to visit Botswana, although the parks get busier from around the 20th as schools in neighbouring South Africa break for winter holidays. These usually run from the last week of June to mid-July and campsites across Botswana book up quickly. Late June marks the start of the high season in Botswana and July to October is the busiest time. Make sure you book your campsites well in advance.

June and July are Botswana’s coldest months and night-time temperatures in the Kalahari can drop below freezing. In the north, it rarely freezes, but lows of 5°C are common and morning game drives can be very cold. Daytime temperatures are roughly the same across the country, averaging between 20°C and 25°C. As ever, the north is warmer and hot days may still reach 30°C.

Botswana Safari in July

July is the start of Botswana’s busy season and camps and lodges can book out far in advance. Botswana’s parks and reserves don’t have that many public camping areas and most are small and spread far apart. This makes finding space tricky during peak times, but also means that even when the campsites are at their fullest, Botswana’s parks never feel overly crowded.

Botswana Safari in August

August remains extremely dry across Botswana, although by the end of the month there may be a brief shower somewhere in the south. Temperatures, however, are already beginning to rise and while nights in the Kalahari can still fall below freezing, sub-zero mornings are the exception not the norm. Daytime temperatures also climb rapidly during August and hot days across the country will regularly top 30°C. August is very a popular safari month in Botswana and campsites and lodges should be booked far in advance.

Botswana Safari in September

Northern Botswana stays completely dry during September, but the centre and south may receive a few scattered showers. Temperatures climb rapidly throughout the month and no longer drop below 0°C, even in the Kalahari. Average lows are between 10°C and 15°C, a bit cooler in the south and warmer in the north. By the end of September, the days are hot everywhere, averaging over 30°C and approaching 40°C in Maun and Kasane. September is another busy month in Botswana, and the popular northern camps should be booked well in advance.

September and October are particularly impressive along the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers. Thousands of animals rely on these waters for survival, especially elephants, which can drink up to 200 litres of water a day. After a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river, often running the last few metres, trumpeting wildly in their excitement and thirst.

Botswana Safari in October

October is Botswana’s hottest month and temperatures can exceed 40°C in the north of the country. The south is a bit cooler, but not by much. Nights in the south average between 15°C and 20°C, and in the far north are often much warmer. In the south and centre the rains usually come earlier, with the first afternoon thunderstorms bringing some relief. In the north, it rarely rains until the end of the month and the rainy season doesn’t start properly until mid-November. Despite the heat, October is a popular safari month, especially along the Chobe River which is famous for its herds of thirsty elephant.

Botswana Safari in November

November is the spring shoulder season in Botswana, a time of soaring thunderclouds, returning migrant birds and, once the rains arrive, fields of new-born calves. It’s still very hot, with daily highs of 35°C to 40°C across the country, and it can get even hotter in the north where nights are humid and often well over 20°C. The start of the rainy season is always hard to predict, but good years can see early November rainfall in the south and central Kalahari, while Moremi and Chobe usually have to wait until later in the month.

Botswana Safari in December

December and January are Botswana’s wettest months, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular feature across the country. The rains are cooling, but daytime temperatures remain high, averaging in the low 30°C’s, but with hot days of up to 40°C or more. Nights tend to be humid and warm, often not dropping below 20°C. The clear atmosphere and thunderclouds make for excellent photographs, and you can expect a spectacular thunderstorm every few days.

Botswana Safari Activities

• Bird Watching
• Boat Cruise
• Horseriding
• Mokoro Safari
• Quad Biking

Bird Watching in Botswana

There are some excellent places for Bird Watching In Botswana . Chobe’s impressive diversity of habitats make it home to the highest variety of bird species (468) in Botswana. A drive or boat cruise along the Chobe River will offer plenty of opportunities to see the conspicuous African Fish Eagle. African Skimmers arrive at Chobe’s riverbanks in the beginning of winter. Other migrant species are Yellow-billed Kites, Woodland Kingfishers and the very striking Carmine Bee Eaters and other common water birds of the area are African Spoonbills, Squacco Herons, Open-billed Storks, Black Herons, Great Egrets, Pied Kingfishers, African Jacanas and Yellow-billed Storks.

In Chobe’s forested areas, birders should look out for Schalow’s and Purple-crested Turacos, Trumpeter and Crowned hornbills, Crested Guinea fowls, Racket-tailed Rollers, Brown-necked Parrots and Narina Trogons (summer only).

The Linyanti Swamps are home to the endemic Slaty Egret and a good place to see small waders such as the Lesser Jacana and African Painted Snipe. Gregarious Southern Carmine Bee Eaters nest on Linyanti’s dry floodplains, an unusual choice for a bird that usually favors riverbanks.

Boat Cruise in Botswana

Boat Cruise In Botswana can be organized by one of the many riverside safari operators. The Chobe waterfront is the most commercial part of Chobe National Park , close to the town of Kasane. There are a number of large hotels and lodges along the river, although Chobe Game Lodge is the only lodge along the river that falls within the park’s boundaries. The public campsite along the river is called Ihaha.

The Chobe Riverfront is Africa dressed to her fullest splendor. The broad life-giving waters of the river, bounded by expansive floodplains, are best seen by boat. Cruising or drifting along at eye-level offers unbeatable photographic opportunities for wildlife and birds: African skimmers carve out silver lines in the water as they skim metres from the boats edge, while hippos yawn and humph, rising out of the water adorned with lavish aquatic headdresses. Guests can also get an up-close look at enormous crocodiles lazing on the white shores of islands and riverbanks, and it’s not unusual to see lions dozing in the shade of riverside woodlands.

Horseriding in Botswana

Horseriding In Botswana are run by Ride Botswana on Uncharted Africa’s private concessions. Two hour long trips as well as multi-day riding safaris suitable for more experienced horse riders can be arranged.

Exploring the Makgadikgadi from the saddle of a well-trained horse can be a truly marvelous escapade. It is a completely different Botswana Safari Experience , evocative of the adventures of Africa’s early European settlers who often chose this way of moving through the great savannas of Africa. Cantering on the remote expanses of the salt pans and surrounding coppery grasslands is to feel a giddy, soaring sense of freedom. Being on a horse is an unobtrusive way to get up close to herds of zebra and other plains game while cheetahs and lions can be gazed at from a distance.

Mokoro Safari in Botswana

The most familiar way to explore the Okavango’s meandering channels and hidden lagoons is on a guided Mokoro Safari in Botswana . These traditional wooden dugouts are still used extensively in the region for fishing and transport, especially near Maun and Seronga.

A mekoro trip gives you the best possible chance to catch a glimpse of the rare and secretive sitatunga antelope. Sitatunga love quiet backwaters with floating papyrus islands and usually feed while being partially submerged in water. They are expertly designed for swamp life with splayed, elongated hooves that enable them to tread soft marshlands with ease. When a mokoro approaches, these shy ungulates will commonly swim away, with only their nuzzle sticking out of the water. Other interesting creatures to look out for are colourful Painted Reed frogs and tiny Long Reed frogs (usually hugging onto reeds), malachite and pied kingfishers, pygmy geese, African and lesser jacanas and day and night water lilies.

Mokoro Trips In Botswana are available at many of the water-based camps and lodges in the Okavango and in Maun for self-drivers. It’s a good idea to check with the safari operator you booking through beforehand because in many places mokoro safaris are seasonal and water level dependent.

Quad Biking in Botswana

A Quad Biking in Botswana adventure especially in Kalahari should be on the bucket list of all daring adrenalin seekers. Revving through the isolated moon-like vistas of the Makgadikgadi gives travellers the luxury of disconnecting with time and space. On a multi-day trip, riders can sprawl out beneath the stars in the evening, blissfully cocooned in comfy bedrolls. These extended trips can also include stopovers at Kubu Island and Chapman’s baobab.

Many safari operators in the area offer quad biking, including more budget friendly places like the wonderfully quirky Planet Baobab. If sleeping under the stars excites you but quad biking doesn’t, Meno a Kwena offers beautiful sleep out excursions.

Walking With Meerkats In Botswana

Walking With Meerkats In Botswana offers a truly unique and intimate experience with one of the most sociable and resourceful desert-adapted creatures on earth. The Makgadikgadi Pans offers guests the incredible chance to spend a morning with a local meerkat colony. The meerkats respond to the non-threatening presence of people by simply carrying on with their daily activities that consist mainly of rummaging the veld for scorpions and other tasty bites to eat. The habituation of these lively little desert mammals depends very much on the dedication of a full-time ‘Meerkat man’ who follows the family group daily and helps locate them for visitors.

Guests are driven to the den area in the early morning, just before the meerkats have left their burrows. As the sun rises, they cautiously peep out of little holes in a humble sandy mound, and, deeming it safe to come out, scuttle to the highest points to scout for predators and food. Sometimes these lookouts happen to be the shoulders and heads of guests! Eventually the whole colony, babies included, are joyfully chirping and tussling away while guests sit or crouch among them.

Botswana Safari Accommodations

Botswana hotels & lodges.

• Central Kalahari (7)
• Makgadikgadi (10)
• Okavango (28)

Now, however, two lodges are situated inside the park boundary, which opens up the reserve to those who would not consider camping. The Lodge boasts of three categories of unique tented accommodations, strategically secluded to ensure a feeling of privacy and intimacy at all times. The lodge can accommodate a maximum of twenty guests, thus ensuring exclusivity that defines contemporary luxury, allowing you to experience the Kalahari at your own pace.

Kalahari Plains Camp

Tau Pan Camp Lodge

Grassland Bushmen Lodge

Deception Valley Lodge

Kalahari Arms Hotel

Haina Safari Lodge

The Chobe Accommodation options below feature lodges inside the park. You can opt for packages that include your meals and activities. These guided activities include game drives, nature walks, boat trips, and birding. Some areas also allow for night game drives. The properties are unfenced and animals roam freely through the park and the neighbouring reserves. The level of luxury at these remote locations is astounding. Once you have seen the care put into these eco-lodges, you will understand the feat in logistics that they have accomplished.

Chobe Elephant Camp

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Garden Lodge

Chobe Marina

Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Savanna Lodge

Crest Mavana Lodge

Ichingo Chobe River

Elephant Valley Lodge

Kwalape Safari Lodge

Ngoma Safari Lodge

Linyati Ebony Camp

Linyati Bush Camp

Saile Tented Camps

Chobe Chilwero

Chobe Bakwena

Muchenje Safari Lodge

Camp Kazuma

Chobe Under Canvas

Impalila Island Lodge

Big 5 Chobe Lodge

Thebe River Safari Lodge

Makgadikgadi.

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi covers an area roughly the size of Switzerland, and has some of the largest saltpans in the world! The national park protects a small portion of these pans, as well as the Boteti River – a magnet for wildlife especially during Botswana’s dry season when the river is the only source of water for miles around. Makgadikgadi Pans is an extraordinary place! Visit during the dry winter months and you’ll see a shimmering, salty crust stretching out to the horizon.

Leroo La Tau Lodge

Pelican Lodge and Camping

Elephant Sands Lodge

Nxai Pan Camp

Planet Baobab

Boteti River Camp

Makgadikgadi Camp

Meno A Kwena

Camp Kalahari

The Okavango Delta offers a full range of accommodation options for every budget and interest, from simple mobile camps to some of the most sought after luxury lodges on the African safari circuit. Accommodation in the Okavango Delta falls across three broad categories – water, land and mixed camps – categorized by the activities they offer. We generally recommend combining water and land camps, or a mixed camp, for a comprehensive Okavango experience.

Crocodile Lodge

Jump Street

Gunn's Camp

Baines Camp

Stanleys Camp

Chitabe Lediba

Little Mombo

Xigera Camp

Drotsky's Cabins

Audi Safari Camp

Camp Okavango

Xugana Island Lodge

Delta Safari Camp

Duba Plains Camp

Moremi Gorges Campsite

Okuti Safari Camp

Kanana Safari Camp

Footsteps Safari Camp

Macatoo Safari Camp

Chiefs Camp

The Caprivi Strip is situated in the north-east of Namibia and unlike the rest of the country is blessed with good rainfalls. Caprivi Strip accommodation at the lodge is in 10 tented suites, connected to a central area through a network of pathways. Each en-suite tent is made of steel, wood and canvas and has proper doors and windows – ideal for a completely safe rustic feel. Private verandas allow views over the untamed bushveld where you can see a host of various plant life and the resident bird life as well as mammals.

Savuti Safari Camp

Khwai Tented Camp

Savute Safari Lodge

Frequently asked questions botswana, when is the best time to visit botswana.

The Best Time To Visit Botswana is from July – October every year. This is the time where the dry season makes for finest wildlife viewing. Another perfect time to visit Botswana is during from May to June. This is the region’s “shoulder season”, right between Botswana’s low and high seasons, when fewer travellers have been going for Botswana.

What Are The Best Places To Visit In Botswana?

The Best Places To Visit In Botswana includes the massive Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the legendary Kalahari Basin. A t lovely sight to behold, the Chobe National Park is the most popular attractions in Africa. And it makes Botswana a top most destination to visit.

What Type Of Wildlife Will I See In Botswana

Botswana Wildlife includes all of Africa’s Big Five animals — the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo; hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, brown and spotted hyenas, zebras, warthogs, black and white rhinos, chacma baboons; myriad gorgeous antelope species, including the greater kudu, sable antelope and blue wildebeests; and large packs of endangered African wild dog.

What Does A Botswana Safari Cost?

Botswana Safari Cost starts from US$250 per person per day, and an upper limit of around US$1200. Botswana Safaris include supremely comfortable accommodation, high-class meals and packages with all activities.

What Type Of Accommodation Expect On A Botswana Safari?

Botswana Accommodation is world class, whether it’s camping or lodges.

Botswana Lodges frequently have rooms with private terraces and private plunge pools. Botswana Safari Camps or Tented Camps or Mobile Camps, have safari-style canvas tents, usually with canvas floors and rugs.

How Long Should I Spend On Safari In Botswana?

A three-night stay in the Chobe National Park, followed by some time the Okavango Delta over a five-day period, creates the perfect Botswana Safari Packages .

Our specialists can arrange the Botswana Safari that suits your schedule and guide you regarding the number of days to spend in each place.

Is Botswana a good place to visit?

Botswana has a huge advantage over the rest of the world when it comes to attracting tourists: the wildlife. The array of animals that reside in or pass through the country is phenomenal. Ranging from endangered animals such as wild dogs and rhinos to the numerous and thriving bird life that inhabits the area.

Is Botswana open to international visitors?

Currently, there are no travel restrictions to any country in Africa. In regards to any upcoming Travel To Botswana , health checks are being conducted at all ports of entry into Botswana, including the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone.

Why do tourists visit Botswana?

One of the best travel destinations in Africa, Botswana is known for its great safaris, incredible wildlife, and exciting adventures. Those who visit Botswana experience a place like no other. Its breathtaking landscapes cover a vast variety of habitats, from the sands of the Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta .

What is the most visited place in Botswana?

A truly beautiful sight to behold, the Chobe National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Africa and makes Botswana a must-visit destination.

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Our Travelers Say

We travelled with Falcon Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana for 16 days. Falcon designed a wonderful trip with private guide to the most interesting sites in both countries. The organization of the whole trip was excellent, flights within the country, accommodation and activites. The guides were very knowledgable and told us a lot about the countries, their history, people, economy and much more. We visited the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Victoria Falls Tour and a number of national parks in both countries. Rhino tracking was a real adventure! We had tremendous further game drives and saw very many animals - we did the Big Five. We had much more Victoria Falls Activities than planned and enjoyed very much.We strongly recommend Falcon Safaris to everyone planning a trip to Southern Africa and East Africa.

Wonderful trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana with excellent organization and very competent guides

Our Consultant Vimbai was very helpful and accommodating. We stayed at the Elephant hills hotel which was nothing short of amazing.Our activities included a helicopter flight, dinner cruise as well as a morning game drive. All the activities were absolutely amazing.

Exceptional!

We worked with Gertrude to schedule and organize everything and she did an excellent job. I asked a lot of questions via e-mail and she answered everyone in a timely helpful manner. Our guide at Victoria Falls was also great. He met us at the airport, provided a thoughtful tour of the Falls and got us to our next guide in Botswana. Our lodgings at River View Lodge were just as described- very comfortable and excellent food. All the staff were so pleasant and helpful. If I had to do it again I would arrange a morning boat ride as well. We only did the sunset boat rides and they were the high point of our entire trip- we saw so many animals and our guide was very knowledgeable. Just a great experience. Our lodgings at Oddball's Enclave was rustic and we loved it. So great to disconnect from the world for a bit. Leo, our guide, was the best - got us out and about, saw fantastic wildlife and got back to camp safely each time. Doc manages the camp so well. This whole trip was planned and organized by Falcon Safaris and we could not have been happier.

Fabulous, well planned trip

Falcon safaris have given my the correct advice with excellent service. The only suggestion will be to work closer with the lodges to confirm bookings as soon as possible. We have booked and pay our deposit a year in advance. We have only receive our final convermation from Chobe Safari lodge a week before departure. I do realize its not within your controle but with limit alternatives and a group of 14 people it becomes an issue to find alternative accomodation if the booking was cancelled.

Excellent and efficient service

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Why Your First Safari Should Be in Botswana

By Erin Florio

I had not heard the call. No one near me had—not the South African behind me, nor the Swedish woman to his left. Not even the Vancouverites, who'd finally silenced the shutters on the shiny new Canons they'd traveled 9,875 miles to test out in Botswana , and who had proven to be the couple in our mud-smacked 4WD who maybe, maybe , could spot something before OB, our guide, had a chance (they got high praise for spying a rare red-billed quelea 30 minutes earlier which sent those shutters aflutter). With two days of game drives already behind us, the five of us now understood when OB sensed something. Raised in a village on the fringe of the Okavango, the 49-million acre river delta in northern Botswana that we now drove through, he had been a guide with Wilderness Safaris for eight years, and could read the bush more sharply than a patient with binoculars could an eye chart. We slowed our conversation as OB slowed the jeep. Then we sat, alert and silent. Around us, the early evening sky swirled in pinks and oranges as the sun lowered; the animals were waking up. "There it is," OB's whisper was firm enough to reach the jeep's third row, "hear it?"

A distinct, distressed chirp sliced our quiet.

OB pointed to a tree where a small cisticola puffed and puffed, its brown feathered chest tight like a balloon. His hand directed our eyes to a group of impala in the distance on our right, whose Bambi eyes and ears were cocked and alert, staring at that songbird whose calls they knew, as OB did, to be warning. "Lions are near," he said. He turned to us and grinned.

The pride eventually appeared, and the hunt we went on to observe became the story to beat at dinner that night with the other guests, back at Mombo Camp . And for weeks afterwards, I found myself thinking about how the bush told us those lions were near—or at least, told OB. It's the kind of fine-tuned interaction that's more likely to occur in Botswana than other safari spots in Africa. And it's largely thanks to the efforts of the government, whose tourism model is unique to the region: fewer people, but high spenders, designed to steadily grow the economy and—this is key—have as little impact on the environment as possible.

For the average traveler, that means it'll be (or at least feel like) just you and the wide-open delta, as lush and untethered as the gods intended. To give perspective, you'll see lions in Kenya's Maasai Mara or in South Africa's Kruger, too. But your cue will probably be the stationary gang of jeeps who spotted them first, which feels about as natural as those air-conditioned beaches you get in Dubai . (On our aforementioned viewing, the South African behind me mentioned that he was once in one of 57 jeeps watching a pride of lions up in Tanzania's Serengeti.)

The policy's mechanics are simple: each concession is allowed a certain amount of beds, which varies depending on government decree, but always hovers extremely low; in Qorokwe, a 64,000-acre private concession in the central Okavango, just ten are allowed (you'll find them at the five-month-old Qorokwe camp, from Wilderness Safaris). It leads to more intimate game viewing, but more importantly, it means minimal manipulation of the surrounding nature and is less intrusive to the animals.

And though we as travelers today are more likely to define luxury as experience and immersion, it doesn't hurt, either, that the Botswana model leans hard on high-end camps with all the bells and whistles you'd expect of a camp that can clock in at $2,300 a head, per night. It's a jump from the $1,500 you can expect to pay at high-end lodges in South Africa or Zimbabwe , to be sure, but when you're safe in your room at the end of the night after spying leopards, hippos, and hyenas on your walk between the main lodge and your tent—extremely rare in general, but very possible at a place like Mombo—you won't be thinking about the money.

Travelers also like to know that their tourism dollars are directly invested into wildlife preservation, which is something not always clear with Africa—just look at the recent poaching allegations against South Africa's ex-president Zuma. Poaching is rampant across the continent; rhino horn is worth more than its weight in gold and three each day get poached (though less valuable, ivory is still hot on the black market, and an elephant is captured and killed every 15 minutes) .

To put it in perspective: In 2001, Botswana had exactly zero rhino left, which forced the government to get serious about passing legislature to combat and protect its wildlife. Since then, they've made poaching punishable by death, and are the only country in Africa to deploy the national military to make sure poachers stay out of the reserves (South Africa and Zambia still rely on private donation). Last year, Prince Harry lent the cause some dazzle when he became patron of Botswana's Rhino Conservancy , and today, at least 200 rhino have been repopulated to the Okavango Delta due to private-public partnerships.

Botswana's model is only a decade or so old, but the results have been so successful that Rwanda adapted a version of it last year with regards to its gorilla tourism and conservancy. Though it means you are almost guaranteed viewing that will surpass anything found elsewhere on the continent, maybe the most important part is that a traveler can feel good about where they, and their cash, is going.

Botswana in winter (our summer)—after the rains, when the delta floods and springs to life—is the best time to see the north: The savanna’s grasses are low, while growth along the waterways attracts tons of wildlife. Central Botswana is at its best in Africa’s summer, when the region’s desert and salt pans turn to grassland, drawing parades of animals. Due to dense vegetation, February through April is generally considered the most challenging time for viewing creatures who tend to stay close to the shrubbery, including leopards and rhino.

The town of Maun (typically reached via a connection from Johannesburg or Cape Town) is the safari starting point for north and central Botswana. If you’re headed to the former, consider flying into Victoria Falls International in Zimbabwe, a one-hour flight from Maun, and adding a day to your trip to see the epic cascade.

The Lodging Situation

Safari outfitters typically transport you via small plane between two or more of the country’s dozens of luxury outposts. Wilderness Safaris, a luxury outfitter who's focus on conservancy has been at the core of the company since opening their first lodge, in Botswana, in 1983 (they currently have 21 camps in seven countries) recently opened Qorokwe is on a private concession, meaning off-roading and night drives are allowed, unlike in other parts of the Okavango Delta where the land is government-owned (Qorokwe is also in a stretch of the Okavango with permanent marshes meaning canoe safaris are possible year-round.) Farther north, in Moremi National Park, Wilderness's flagship Mombo camp recently reopened on one of the most epic stretches of savanna of any camp anywhere in Africa: each tent has a bar cart and newly-added private plunge pools with panoramic views of grazing elephants, baboons, and giraffe, and its family unit now means it easier for multi-gen travelers to stay.

Planning Your Trip

Roughly one-third of Botswana is government protected for wildlife. The Okavango, in the north, has phenomenal viewing and seasonal canoes on top of its flood plains, while the Kalahari desert has geographic-adapted sub species like black-maned lions and offers bushmen walks. Botswana may be easier to pull off than most, but you should still stick to the pros when planning your first trip. A fixer can tell you which shots you need, take care of your transfers—even make sure that lodge can create whole menus around any type of dietary restriction or request. We like Safari Pros , Roar Africa and Explore , though our full list can be found here . Plan around six months in advance; the low number of beds means camps fill up fast.

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Botswana safari

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Why go to Botswana?

Botswana offers amongst the best African safari trips. This sparsely populated country offers a range of travel and accommodation options - from luxury lodges to rustic campsites and mobile safaris. Your Botswana safari could include:

the verdant floodplains of the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Khwai

the arid salt pans of Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans

the rolling plains of Savute

the vast Central Kalahari desert

the Zambezi and Chobe riverine systems

Combined, these havens offer a complex web of wildlife habitats to satisfy even the most demanding safari traveller. Much of the north of Botswana is protected as national parks or game reserves, and the free-roaming wildlife traverses the unfenced region seasonally in search of water and food.

Scroll past the safari packages below to find out EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW about a safari in Botswana

Everything you need to know about Botswana

Botswana is blessed with numerous safari destinations, and we have compiled information about of them (follow the links):

Chobe National Park is at the centre of an enormous protected area in the northeastern corner of Botswana that acts as a vital wildlife link between Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Chobe Riverfront, Savute and Linyanti fall within Chobe NP

Chobe Riverfront (Serondela area) in the north-eastern corner of Chobe National Park is the most popular part of the park and is easily accessible from the nearby town of Kasane

Khwai is sandwiched between Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve and represents the northeast fingers of the Okavango Delta

Kwando Reserve is a vast, remote reserve in the far north of Botswana with the Kwando River flowing along its eastern border and the Linyanti Marshes on its southern border

Linyanti lies in the remote north-western corner of Chobe National Park, bordered by the Linyanti River and Namibia to the north and linked to the Okavango Delta by the Selinda Spillway

Makgadikgadi Pans is a series of salt pans in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana - one of the largest salt flats in the world

Moremi Game Reserve lies at the heart of the Okavango Delta and is the only formally protected section of the Delta

Okavango Delta is an enormous watery oasis and Big 5 safari paradise, with seasonal islands and permanent lagoons providing refuge to an impressive concentration of wildlife

Savute , in the remote western section of Chobe National Park, hosts the enigmatic Savute channel and Savute Marsh, which dry up for years and even decades at a time before flowing again

Selinda Reserve hosts the Selinda Spillway (Magwegquana), a water channel which connects the Okavango Delta to the west with the Linyanti/Kwando waterbodies to the east

Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers a vast sea of remote and timeless rolling sand dunes with high predator numbers and vistas that go on forever

The Botswana safari seasons

The best time to visit Botswana is when the weather is cool and dry and the lack of groundwater makes wildlife congregate near water sources (which makes it easier to see them).

The dry, cool (er) months are from June to September, but the traditional popular travel season is June to August, making September (and October) excellent options with fewer other travellers. November through April experience higher temperatures and varying amounts of rain. November can provide excellent wildlife viewing before the first rains start. The presence of more groundwater (which allows wildlife to disperse widely) and thicker vegetation from January to April make wildlife more difficult to find during those months.

There are exceptions to the above rules:

Bird-watching is better during the hot, wet summer months because the international and regional migrants are present and because birds are usually breeding and so very active and noisy

Two zebra migrations occur during the rainy summer months - from Chobe to Nxai Pan (the longest mammal migration in Africa) and from Okavango to Makgadkigadi Pan. Read more about Botswana's zebra migrations here .

Month-by-month Botswana safari seasonal guide:

January to february - green safari season.

The long Botswana rainy season runs from January through February. High temperatures can make safari life uncomfortable, but then this is the green season when prices are at their lowest. The bushveld is green and thick, and animals can be hard to find, but birding is spectacular.

March to April - green safari season

Rainfall and temperatures start dropping off, although you can expect hot and wet days while on safari. The bushveld is emerald-green, and animals can still be tough to locate. Botswana safari prices are also lower during these months.

May to June - shoulder safari season

Rainfall and temperatures continue to drop during these months, groundwater dries up, and the bushveld begins thinning out. By the end of June, wildlife viewing has become easier. The Okavango Delta floodwaters from Angola start to arrive in the upper reaches of the Delta in May and peak in June. Safaris in Botswana will start costing more by June.

July to September - peak safari season

The bushveld is now dry, and the weather is cool (although rising again in September), making for excellent wildlife viewing. Groundwater has dried up across much of Botswana but the annual Okavango Delta floodwaters have reached most of the Delta by July, and wildlife concentrates around the floodplains and water channels. The Delta floodwaters begin drying up during August and September. Permanent water sources such as the Chobe River attract high volumes of wildlife. Expect full lodges and high Botswana safari prices.

October to December - shoulder safari season

October to mid-November is the peak of the dry season, and permanent water sources are in high demand by wildlife. Temperatures have started rising again, and October can be especially hot and dry. Wildlife viewing can be spectacular in October and November before the first (short) rains arrive. Late November and December see high temperatures and spotty rainfall. Many lodges discount their prices during November and December - making your safari in Botswana cheaper.

Are you ready for your safari in Botswana?

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How to Plan a Botswana Safari: Frequently Asked Questions

Updated:  November 7, 2022

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Chobe National Park, Botswana

How to get to Botswana and how long to spend in each location are just a few considerations during the safari planning process. We aim to answer these and more when considering the most frequently asked questions about visiting Botswana.

Open savannas merge with forested parks and scenic waterways blend with desert pans to create one of southern Africa’s key safari destinations. Captivating adventures and luxury accommodations for seniors, families, and honeymooners make a Botswana safari irresistible.

Knowing what to pack for your journey, how day-to-day activities work, and vital information such as medical and insurance requirements go a long way in ensuring your experience goes off without a hitch.

Can I travel to Botswana?

How long should i spend on safari in botswana, what are the regions of botswana, what are the different ways to enjoy a wildlife experience, how can i ensure i see my favorite animal, what is a day on safari like, what is the difference between a camp and a lodge in botswana, when is the best time to visit botswana, how does botswana’s climate change during the year, how does the safari experience change during the different seasons of the year, what do i need to know about the food, water, and dietary requirements on my safari, what currency does botswana use, how does tipping work on a botswana safari, what do i need to know regarding voltage and electricity in botswana, how should i fly in and out of botswana, is botswana safe for travel, are there any health concerns in botswana, what should i pack for a botswana safari, what should i know regarding baggage, is botswana a good destination for family safaris, is botswana suitable for senior travelers, can i get around botswana if i have a mobility issue, is botswana suitable for couples or honeymooners, how can zicasso help me plan my trip to botswana, where can i find recommended itineraries for my trip.

U.S. citizens can travel to Botswana.

Entry requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the country’s government and a Zicasso Botswana safari specialist can provide you with up-to-date information regarding any changes that may affect your trip.

Learn more: Plan Your Trip to Botswana

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Five to 10 days will allow you to truly explore the country’s many safari regions. From the elephant-rich Chobe National Park to the channels of the Okavango Delta, the lush grasslands of the Linyanti to the dry pans of the Makgadikgadi, game-viewing options are endless.

There really is no set timeline when considering how long to spend on the Botswana safari circuit. However, knowing whether you are looking for a single game park or lodge experience, or a combination of a few, will help decide how long to spend in the country.

A minimum of three days in one destination is recommended to fully enjoy the bush and lodge or camp facilities in that region. With two game experiences on offer each day, a longer stay will ensure you have the opportunity to enjoy a little downtime between adventures at your camp or lodge. Our Zicasso Botswana specialists can guide you on how many days to spend in each place.

Botswana comprises contrasting regions that cover waterways and vegetation in the Okavango Delta, with elephant and other animal spotting from the Chobe River.

The expansive salt pans of the Makgadikgadi and the haunting ambiance of the Kalahari desert, as well as the Linyanti and Savuti regions, present diverse wildlife habitats

Prolific birdlife and elusive characters such as leopards may make an appearance, while lush surroundings create an overall tranquil vibe in many regions.

Learn more: 8 Best Places to Visit in Botswana on Safari

Depending on where you choose to go, your wildlife experience may take place in an open 4x4 vehicle, a boat, or a mokoro, which is a traditional dugout canoe. Each demonstrates the diverse beauty of Botswana and the many incredible ways to experience the wildlife.

In Chobe National Park the drives take you through open landscape and forested, elephant-filled habitat, with the option of taking your game viewing to a tender boat on the Chobe River. Elephants swim across the water, while hippos bob up and down near its edge and crocodiles laze on the banks.

A Poler will steer you down the Okavango Delta as you make your way through the channels, eyes peeled for creatures large and small among the reeds and in nearby trees. Some lodges and camps may offer walking safaris and private concessions can provide night drives, opening you to a world of unique sightings.

4 Ways to Get Around on an African Safari can give you more insight into the types of transportation you may find on a game drive across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Embarking on a safari in search of wildlife big and small is a thrilling and inspiring adventure because it gives you the opportunity to view the untouched wilderness at its pace. Getting the chance to see your favorite animal while traversing savannahs or stopping at a scenic waterhole is exciting, but not assured.

It is important to know that while your qualified guide will show you the key areas of the park or reserve where animals gather or have been spotted, sightings are never guaranteed. Every animal, big or small, is a delight, and spending a day in the African bush is one of the most rewarding and phenomenal experiences.

No two days on safari are the same, yet a typical day will include two three-hour game drives and downtime at your lodge or camp.

A day on safari involves a pre-dawn wake-up call followed by coffee or tea before you head off on your first game drive. After returning to the camp or lodge for brunch or lunch, there will be time to relax during the hottest part of the day.

Enjoy a second safari activity with a sundowner at a key viewing point, followed by dinner, and have the chance to reminisce after the day’s activities. Then it’s early to bed and up the next day to do it again.

Learn more: What a Day Is Like on a Safari

Often referred to as “art galleries in the bush”, safari lodgings range from stylish camping to breathtaking builds in secluded wilderness. They can take the form of permanent set-ups or a mobile experience with a luxury twist.

Whether you prefer the more structured option of a main lodge with privately spaced-out rooms and a large public area to mingle with other guests or the more intimate idea of wood and canvas luxury tents overlooking open plains, you are guaranteed an unforgettable stay with outstanding hospitality and a window to an incredible wildlife experience.

From more group-focused lodges in the Chobe area to ecological tented and luxury chalet options in the Okavango Delta, locations for lodges and camps are always carefully chosen and guests are assured of a high level of service no matter where they stay.

Learn more: 3 Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose

The ideal time to embark on a Botswana safari is in the winter, between June and September. The bush is alive with animal and human activity, as game-drive vehicles, boats and mokoros make their way through the wilderness.

Capturing animals in the open or next to a tree or ravine is easier when the grass is low and dry weather boasts mild days and cool evenings, bringing the animals into the open.

Off-peak May is quieter. It’s a great time to start your Botswana adventure and avoid peak-season crowds. If you are looking for a birding experience, consider January and February, which coincide with the birthing season. At this time the landscape is also lush after summer rains.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Botswana

Light rainfall begins in November and December, with heavier rainfall during January and February, eventually easing off at the end of March. The long grass means the safari scene is quieter in April and as the weather starts to cool down, the wilderness prepares for the winter.

The peak safari season kicks in as the dry season begins in June and continues until the end of September. Grasslands turn from green to brown and game viewing is spectacular. The heat in October causes many safari-goers to plan their experience before or after this rather warm month.

It is key to plan your safari-focused adventure for a time when viewing is excellent. Knowing how the bush changes during each season will help with that.

Take advantage of the best time to witness wildlife by visiting between the drier months of May to September. Lower water levels have qualified guides searching for wildlife near watering holes and dams, and the shorter brown and beige vegetation makes it easier to see animals near and far.

Birthing season takes place during the wet, summer months of January and February, which coincide with birding season, creating a colorful and lively scene in any reserve or park.

One of the joys of being on safari is the chance to try Botswana’s incredible cuisine and experience master chefs at work as they prepare and create delicious meals.

Your first of the day usually comes after your game drive and will comprise either a full English breakfast or brunch. Dinner may include anything from fresh local seafood to roast beef, lamb, chicken, or local game meat, followed by pastry, custards, or other desserts. Dietary requirements and restrictions are always considered, ensuring the clients have an excellent experience.

Bottle or filtered water will be available throughout your safari, with most lodges and camps providing an environmentally-friendly water bottle for you to use during your stay and keep as a souvenir. Soft drinks and impressive wine lists will be presented to those who wish to taste some of South Africa’s varietals, with other liquor available for those much-loved sundowners at the end of a game drive.

The official currency in Botswana is the pula (P), however, the US dollar ($) is used throughout the country.

If you wish to have local currency on you, money can be exchanged at major banks or exchange bureaus in key cities. Having small notes on you is best, however.

Knowing what money to have with you on safari and the appropriate denominations will allow you to arrive at your camp or lodge with the ideal amount for souvenir purchases and tipping.

Credit cards are accepted at lodges and camps, and all accommodation and safari experiences will be pre-booked by your Botswana specialist.

Tipping is customary on a Botswana safari and demonstrates you appreciate the expertise of guides and trackers who ensure you are comfortable, safe, and having a fantastic experience.

Guidelines give you the chance to say thank you to baggage handlers, lodge staff, and those guiding you through wildlife reserves and parks. $15 per person per day is the norm for your guide, with a gesture of $10 per person for the tracker.

Your Zicasso Botswana specialist will be able to advise you on general tipping expectations at the time of your booking, also noting that while customary, tipping is still discretionary.

Botswana works on 240v, with a standard frequency of 50Hz. Devices such as cameras, cellphones, and laptops have an input of 110-240v, so simply plugging those in when you get to your lodge or camp is a breeze.

A highlight of any safari is making sure you capture and share the magical moments, so ensuring your camera and other electronic devices are charged is key. Understanding how voltage works and whether your camp or lodge has full-time electricity or a generator that is switched off at night will help prepare you.

Leave behind your flat irons and remember to bring a plug adapter as Botswana’s plugs are rounded three-pronged. Your accommodations will be able to assist with these and voltage converters if required.

Your journey begins from the moment you touch down in Botswana, with Maun (MUB) and Kasane (BBK) serving as the southern and northern hubs for the safari circuit.

Connecting internationally in South Africa is common, with Johannesburg and Cape Town considered major Southern African safari hubs. For those looking to explore a little more before or after their, Victoria Falls in neighboring Zimbabwe is a perfect entry or exit airport.

Maun and Kasane are also the main airports from which light aircraft or safari circuit air hops operate, connecting various regions with a few lodges and camps operating their own airstrips, in addition to those used for access to the national parks.

Your plane may touch down at one airstrip to drop off four passengers, before continuing to your concession.

Botswana is safe for travelers, with the country governed at a first-world standard. It is considered one of the most advanced and stable countries in Africa.

Experiencing the African bush is unique. Quiet and far away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities and towns, being in nature is spectacular, with urban security concerns left behind. However, standard security practices are recommended in lodges and camps, and it is always good to be aware of your surroundings when in cities and towns.

During game drives, your guides will be sure to communicate at all times and adhering to their guidelines is key as they know how to read the bush. All lodges and camps will provide a safety briefing so you understand where you can go without a guide or lodge team member.

Being prepared health-wise when venturing into the Botswana swamps, savannahs, and forests is key.

While there are very few mosquitoes during the dry season, significantly reducing the risk of malaria, a prophylactic is recommended.

There are no yellow fever concerns and all water will be bottled or filter stations set up. First aid kits and, if required, medical advice, will always be on hand at your destinations.

Most domestic flights in Botswana have a strict 33lb per person luggage limit and require soft-sided bags.

Light clothing, in color and material, is ideal, with a light jacket for the evenings. Consider gloves and a scarf for early- morning starts if traveling in winter.

Hiking boots are unnecessary, so packing comfortable walking shoes is perfect. Learn more about how to prepare for your Botswana safari with our What to Bring on An African Safari: 6 Tips to Pack Your Bag .

You will arrive at Botswana’s Maun or Kasane international airports, or neighboring Victoria Falls, but many destinations require air hops in small or light aircraft with luggage restrictions.

Soft-sided duffel bags with wheels measuring around 12” high are recommended. Weight is restricted to 33lbs, with options for guests to purchase extra space. In some situations, oversized or excess luggage can be stored at hotels or with partners on the ground.

There is no requirement for formal wear on safari and most lodges or camps offer a laundry service, making packing light for your Botswana adventure easy.

Botswana is a great destination for family safaris. Little explorers will get a chance to experience nature up close and personal through mini bush walks and short game drives.

Spending time in a variety of destinations within Botswana will give younger safari-goers a chance to experience diverse animal and birdlife on boat rides in the Okavango Delta or on the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Children-friendly lodges and camps educate and ensure youngsters of all ages have fun, with kids programs including activities ranging from recording animal sightings in a journal to baking cookies with the chef. You can experience it all as a family on our Botswana Family Safaris .

Learn more: 7 Tips to Plan A Perfect Family African Safari

Botswana is a great safari destination for senior travelers. Taking it slow is key and considering some road transfers, combined with one light-aircraft flight to a Delta delight, will ensure travel throughout the safari circuit is comfortable.

Letting lodge and camp staff know about any medical requirements or preferences helps and they will ensure your comfort is a priority.

There will be a fair amount of movement involved if combining several regions and lodges, or extending to other southern African destinations. However, the rewards of Botswana Safaris for Seniors are worth it.

Everybody should have the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of a safari and in Botswana there are ground-handlers who operate safaris for those with mobility issues.

Their vehicles are adapted to accommodate guests who require a wheelchair to get around and, in general, ease of entry for all guests is considered. Lodges and camps offer rooms that are adapted to accommodate visitors with mobility issues.

Working with your Zicasso safari specialist will ensure your mobility needs are met and your wildlife adventure is comfortable and memorable.

Botswana is a great destination for couples, whether on a honeymoon, an anniversary celebration, or looking for a romantic getaway.

The Okavango Delta is one of the most romantic destinations on the African safari circuit. With intimate lodges and camps set amongst stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife, Botswana is a top contender for a spirited and passionate break in the bush.

Private dining, breathtaking sunsets, and various safari activities all culminate for the perfect adventure on our Botswana Honeymoon Packages .

You can plan for your next vacation through Zicasso by visiting our Botswana Safaris for inspiration and learning about the possibilities that speak to you.

Pick specific experiences you like, from safari destinations that capture your imagination or culinary experiences that speak to a childhood dream. Each opportunity can act as the foundation from which you customize your Botswana safari.

To start planning your trip with Zicasso, fill out a Trip Request to provide an idea of the places you would like to go, the ideal length of your trip, your group size, and traveler ages.

You can offer suggestions or comments on your travel style and then set your budget. Our Travel Care team will contact you shortly after. They will match you with a top Botswana safari specialist who will work with you to plan a stress-free and perfect vacation that exceeds your expectations.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Discover a safari destination like no other as you move through Botswana’s various game-viewing destinations and uncover wildlife treasures at every turn.

With exciting ways to experience it all, you can enjoy Botswana over several days that encompass the kaleidoscope of possibilities. No matter your preferences, you can find inspiration with our selection of sample Botswana Safaris and in our Botswana Safari Guide .

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Where to Go on an African Safari in February

February is a good month to go on safari in Kenya and northern Tanzania. It’s also a great time for gorilla and chimp trekking in nearby Rwanda and Uganda. January to February is a dry period between the short and long rains in East Africa. The wildebeest calving in the Southern Serengeti at this time is one of the biggest wildlife spectacles in East Africa and worth planning a trip around.

Best Time per Country

Flag of zimbabwe zimbabwe in february.

• Many newborn animals and lush scenery
• Excellent bird-watching time with migratory birds present
• Peak of the rainy season, some roads deteriorate
• Animals spread out and wildlife viewing is poorer than in the Dry season
• Victoria Falls has little flow
• It gets very hot in low-lying areas

Flag of Zambia Zambia in February

• Lovely scenery and migratory birds present
• Some camps in South Luangwa National Park stay open with low rates
• Many parks and lodges shut down for the Wet season
• It rains a lot and roads deteriorate
• Animals spread out and become hard to find
• Victoria Falls isn’t very impressive with little flow

Flag of South Africa South Africa in February

• Green landscapes and lack of haze in the sky
• Great birding with migratory species added to resident birds
• There are plenty of newborn animals
• Wildlife viewing in the main parks is better in the Dry season
• It can get very hot in some areas

Flag of Uganda Uganda in February

• Lots of sunshine and little rain
• Good time for gorilla and chimp trekking
• Good general wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources
• There are lots of newborn animals
• Gorilla permits need to be booked long in advance in high season

Flag of Tanzania Tanzania in February

• Wildebeest calving in Southern Serengeti
• Good wildlife viewing in the Northern circuit parks
• Stunning scenery after the rains
• There is lots of sunshine and little rain
• Wildlife viewing isn’t good in the south and west of the country

Flag of Rwanda Rwanda in February

• Great time for chimp and gorilla trekking
• Good wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park
• There are lots of baby animals
• There is a drier spell in the Wet season
• It still rains regularly; June to September is more reliably dry

Flag of Namibia Namibia in February

• Beautiful landscapes and skies clear of dust
• Top birding with migrant species present
• It is low season and there are few travelers around
• Wildlife viewing is not as good as in the Dry season – especially in Etosha National Park
• It can get uncomfortably hot

Flag of Kenya Kenya in February

• Excellent wildlife viewing in most parks
• There are lots of newborn animals around
• Excellent birding with migratory species present
• There is a dry period between the long and short rains
• It is high season and it gets busy in some parks

Flag of Botswana Botswana in February

• Fresh landscapes, great birding and many baby animals
• Perfect time to witness the annual zebra migration in Makgadikgadi Pans NP
• It is low season
• The Dry season is better for general wildlife viewing
• Some lodges close down in the peak of the Wet season

Visiting month

Best safari parks to visit in february.

See below for an overview of the best parks to visit in Africa by country. Please note that the listings focus on the most popular parks only and are not comprehensive.

Flag of Botswana Botswana

Best parks & reserves in february.

Central Kalahari GR Excellent

Nxai Pan NP Excellent

Chobe NP Good

Makgadikgadi Pans NP Good

Flag of Kenya Kenya

Amboseli NP Excellent

Lake Nakuru NP Excellent

Samburu NR Excellent

Masai Mara NR Good

Flag of Namibia Namibia

Skeleton Coast NP Excellent

Namib-Naukluft NP Good

Flag of Rwanda Rwanda

Akagera NP Excellent

Flag of South Africa South Africa

No Best Parks & Reserves in February

South Africa does not have parks that are best visited in February. When to visit South Africa?

Flag of Tanzania Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Excellent

Lake Manyara NP Good

Serengeti NP Excellent

Flag of Uganda Uganda

Bwindi NP Excellent

Kibale NP Excellent

Murchison Falls NP Excellent

Queen Elizabeth NP Excellent

Flag of Zambia Zambia

Zambia does not have parks that are best visited in February. When to visit Zambia?

Flag of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe does not have parks that are best visited in February. When to visit Zimbabwe?

All Parks & Reserves

Safari highlights in february.

What makes a safari most exciting is its unpredictability. You never know what you’ll see. Every day out in the bush is filled with special moments. However, some safari highlights are seasonal. Read on if you want some ideas on where to go on safari in February.

Excellent Time for Gorilla and Chimp Trekking in Uganda

February is one of the drier months in Uganda, which makes it an excellent time for gorilla and chimp trekking. Both activities are offered throughout the year, but dry conditions are a bonus. Continuous rain in the Wet season makes the forest paths very slippery. The dry conditions in February are overall perfect for getting the most out of the precious hour you get to spend with these great apes.

Wildebeest Calving Season in the Serengeti, Tanzania

February is a perfect time to be in the Southern Serengeti and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area. At this time more than a million wildebeest come to rest here to calve. Within a three-week period about half a million wildebeest and thousands of zebras and gazelles are born. This attracts lots of predators and drama to the area resulting in incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities.

The Okavango-Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration in Botswana

The annual zebra migration between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans NP in Botswana is much less known than the famous wildebeest migration in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Following the rains, more than 20,000 zebras travel the 500km/310mi return trip to spend January to March at the pans. A similar zebra migration occurs between Chobe and Nxai Pan around the same time.

Perfect Time to Climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is not an easy challenge. There are pros and cons to doing it at different times of the year, but January and February are the most popular months. This has mostly to do with the climatic conditions. It is relatively dry in February and there is a good chance for a decent amount of snow on the summit.

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• Where To Go On Safari In February

Our Recommendation For The Best Holiday Destinations In February:

Countries to visit in February : Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, Zambia

When it comes to planning a safari adventure in February, it’s important to consider the general weather conditions and ideal climate for wildlife sightings. In Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and parts of South Africa, February falls within the short dry season, offering excellent opportunities for game viewing. The weather is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from pleasant to hot during the day and cooler evenings. In Botswana, Zambia and the Kruger area of South Africa, February is the wet season with the rains turning the bush verdant and filling waterholes, lakes and rivers. This ‘green season’ is the low season, offering better prices and less visitors. Here are some of the best countries to visit in February.

South Africa

February is an ideal month to visit Tanzania’s national parks, with hot, dry weather, between the end of the short rains (November) and the beginning of the long rains ( March). In some places the rains may arrive early, in February, bringing relief from the heat and bringing green landscapes, flowers and birds, also encouraged by the earlier short rains. This time of year is known as the green or shoulder season. It’s quieter than peak season and prices are often good. In southern Serengeti Plains and Ndutu region, the calving season for the wildebeest and zebras is in full swing making the most of the lush vegetation. Patrolling predators can often be seen in the vicinity – this is the time to witness the circle of life!

For bird watching, plan a trip to Tarangire National Park , where you can also see the resident large herds of elephants and stately baobab trees. Also on our list of best holiday destinations in February for birding is Lake Manyara National Park , with its soda ash lake which attracts flamingos and  many other bird species.

Visitors interested in climbing Africa’s highest peak should sign up for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb as February offers relatively clear skies and good climbing conditions. However, it is important to be prepared for colder temperatures at higher altitudes.

Recommended Safaris: 

• 8-Day Wildebeest Calving & Migration
• 7 Days Rhino Ngorongoro Crater Safari
• 8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climb

Considered one of the best months to visit South Africa, February is one of the hottest months. However, there are variances across such a huge country, with sunny days, cool breezes and rarely rain in Cape Town and Western Cape while in Kruger and Durban it can be very wet with dramatic summer thunderstorms – a good time for birders when the northern rivers and lakes fill up and migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.

Enjoy the beautiful weather in Cape Town and explore this vibrant city, known for its stunning scenery and diverse attractions, or take a road trip along the scenic Garden Route, a stretch of coastline known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming towns. Visit the lush forests of Tsitsikamma and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Plettenberg Bay. February is an ideal time for whale watching in the coastal town of Hermanus.

If your primary goal is to witness the big five in action, head to South Africa’s Kruger National Park , a wildlife reserve that also boats incredible birdlife. You can also visit other popular parks including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Addo Elephant National Park for great game viewing while in iSimangiliso Wetland Park, leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

• 4-Day Kruger Park Fly and Drive Safari
• 12-Day Exclusive Safari, Cape Town and Surrounds
• Cape Town Whales & Garden Route

A hot and dry month, February is a good time for game viewing in most places in Kenya, together with bird watching with the arrival of migrant species. Begin your journey in Maasai Mara National Reserve , where the wildlife seeks out the waterholes, and witness its diverse resident wildlife. It is also a great time to explore Amboseli National Park , renowned for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lake Nakuru National Park is a must-visit destination, especially if you are a bird enthusiast looking forward to the stunning sight of a lake covered with flamingos. Samburu National Reserve is another wildlife preserve that you shouldn’t miss. It is known for its unique wildlife like the Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich.

Divers and snorkelers should head to the Kenyan coast to see whale sharks, manta rays, sharks, dolphins and turtles while February is a good time to climb Mount Kenya with the warm and dry weather. In addition to  wildlife sightings and climbing, February also offers a chance to witness cultural events like the Maasai Mara Marathon.

• 7 Days Masai Mara, Naivasha and Amboseli Safari
• 7-Day Kenyan National Parks Safari
• 12-Day Kenya Big Five Safari

With warm to hot weather, and comfortable cool nights, the higher altitude Volcanoes National Park is the ideal place to  begin your adventure in February. Here you can trek through lush forests to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In February, you can also witness the spectacular Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, celebrating Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts. The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony takes place in Kinigi, which is located near Volcanoes National Park.

The dry season in February is a good time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is not only home to chimpanzees and various primate species but also harbours an array of birdlife, over 300 bird species, as well as 75 mammal species. If you want to combine your primate safari with the big five, head to the Akagera National Park, where you can also enjoy boat safaris along the picturesque lakes.

• Once-in-a-Lifetime Gorilla Experience
• Trekking Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys
• 25 Days Breathtaking Wildlife Safari

Botswana, a phenomenal safari destination, is the best place to holiday in February for those looking for a more affordable safari to Botswana, although generally Botswana is still known for being pricey throughout the year. February is the low season, or green season, as it’s one of the wettest months (together with January) with heavy downpours and high temperatures and humidity. There are perks to travelling in February: prices can be less expensive, visitor numbers are lower and the landscapes look stunning with lush green vegetation

You can start your Botswana safari adventure at Okavango Delta , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can navigate through the waterways on a mokoro (traditional canoe) and spot diverse wildlife on the trip. In addition, the rains bring spectacular bird life, with migrant species arriving from Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa.

In February Botswana’s great zebra migration, consisting of thousands of plains zebra, is in Nxai Pan National Park enjoying the lush grasslands before heading back to Chobe National Park in March. Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds and thrilling game drives along the Chobe River while a trip to the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area known for its exceptional wildlife viewing, might include  sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and endangered African wild dogs. In stunning Makgadikgadi Pans , you can witness unique salt pans and diverse wildlife.

• Best of Botswana Safari
• Okavango Delta & Moremi Adventure
• Etosha, Caprivi, Chobe & Victoria Falls Safari

Zambia’s rainy season (November to May), is also aptly known as the green or emerald season as the landscape comes to life with lush vegetation and full foliage as well as animals giving birth. In the midst of the green season, February is ideal for those looking for beautiful scenery, less crowds, lower prices and great value. However, be aware that some camps are closed during the rainy season and some areas are inaccessible.

If you are planning to visit Zambia for a safari in February, South Luangwa National Park is a great place to head, known for its exceptional leopard sightings and walking safaris. With many camps closed and fewer visitors, South Luangwa is a great place for seasoned travellers wanting to experience the serenity of the bush, newborn animals, big cats and predators walking along tracks rather than the thick bush, and seasonal activities such as boating safari.

Birdlife in February is fantastic with seasonal and year-round residents. In Liuwa Plains, the annual floods attract a wealth of bird life with large flocks taking to the skies including crowned cranes and Africa’s largest wattled crane population.

February is also a great time to visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls as it’s approaching its fullest flow in March. A remarkable sight at this time of year, don’t forget a raincoat as you are likely to get wet from the spray!.

• 2-Day South Luangwa National Park Safari
• 6 Days Kafue National Park and Victoria Falls – Luxury
• 12 Days Victoria Falls, Kafue, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi Safari

Our in-country experts will give you the best travel advice and assist you in creating your perfect safari for 2023.

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Where to go on safari in february.

Some great suggestions where to have the best safari experiences in February

02 Oct 2020

29 jan 2021.

With a few exceptions, most of sub-Sahara Africa is in its heavy rain season – Kenya and Tanzania are two of these exceptions.

This is a very exciting and emotive season during the Wildebeest Migration in the southern Serengeti . It’s the height of the calving season with over 500,000 wildebeest born during this month, along with the tens of thousands of zebra foals and antelope being born which means predator activity is at a premium, attracting cheetah, lion, leopard and hyena. February in Tanzania is a opportunity time to maximise your chances of seeing predators hunting.

February is a great time to visit Kenya with the Masai Mara and Amboseli being particularly excellent. Amboseli will be carpeted in green grasses with Mount Kilimanjaro as a dominating backdrop, perfect for searching for the famously large herds of elephants in the region.

The Masai Mara is also particularly productive at this time of year. The grasses of the Mara will be shorter, making wildlife spotting easier. Young will also be being born making daytime predator activity easier to see. In fact, most of Kenya is excellent for a safari experience at this time of year.

Nxai Pan and the Makgadigadi are the places to be in Botswana during February, as the rains will have transformed the fossil and salt pans. Wildlife flourishes with freshly filled waterholes and carpets of green grasses, which in turn draw huge herds of migrating zebra, wildebeest, as well as elephants and buffalo. This is also the time of year to see huge migratory flocks of flamingos in the region with water sources being covered in a carpet of pink.

In the Central Kalahari masses of springbok are attracted to the water sources, making a feast for the black-maned lions and cheetah in the region.

Although many camps across the country close during Zambia's rainy "Emerald Seasons" a handful of those in the South Luangwa remain open and offer an amazing experience for seasoned safari-goers looking to get a different perspective on the park. The focus at this time is on game drives, as well as boat trips on the swollen Luangwa River. There are plenty of dramatic sightings to be enjoyed as the wildlife battles with the elements and the park turns lush and green with seemingly endless standing water - a stark contrast to the dry, dusty valley it becomes in the dry season.

South Africa

This is a fantastic time to visit Cape Town and the surrounding winelands . The daytime temperatures are lovely and warm making way for lots of alfresco dining. You have also missed the Christmas crowds which can make Cape Town feel rather busy. There are a number of wine festivals in and around Stellenbosh and Franschhoek at this time.

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays , our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

Planning a safari holiday? Give our friendly experts a call on 01768 603 715 or fill in our enquiry form.

Amazing trip ideas for February

Honeymoon Adventure Safari in Tanzania

• £6145 PP

Explore Kenya Safari (Amboseli, Masai Mara & Lewa)

• £5075 PP

Luxury Tented Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta & Makgadikgadi

• Okavanga Delta
• Makgadikgadi Pan
• £13450 PP

Luangwa and Lake Safari Adventure

• South Luangwa
• Lake Malawi
• £4945 PP

Classic South Africa

• Franschhoek
• Plettenberg Bay
• Amakhala Game Reserve
• £4055 PP

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