Best Time To Visit Botswana
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari In Botswana
Experience a luxury Botswana safari in a land of dramatic contrasts, from the crystal-clear waters of the Okavango Delta to large elephant herds in Chobe. Discover endless Botswana safari packages and possibilities. It is possible to explore it all on a self-drive or 4WD expeditions. Botswana offers some of the best safaris on the African continent; while other countries might have invented the safari, Botswana has perfected it. The combination of epic wildlife populations in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, with the world’s largest network of salt pans in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the desert-specialist animals of the Kalahari, makes for endless Botswana safari packages and possibilities. It is possible to explore it all on a self-drive 4WD expedition, but the Botswana safari experience is more often defined by high-end luxury safaris.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Botswana For Safari?
Botswana is one of Africa’s most expensive safari destinations, with safari experts maintaining that the best time to visit Botswana is in the winter from April to August when the temperatures is pleasant and it’s usually easy to spot animals on safari.
In addition, the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are Botswana’s most popular parks, and the best months for visiting Botswana (for wildlife viewing) is from May to September, during the Dry season and winter.
But whatever the time of year or depending on Botswana safari seasons, from the scenic Okavango Delta to the sweeping views of the Kalahari Desert, and the lunar-like salt pans of Makgadikgadi, Botswana offers excellent wildlife-viewing all year-round, and the landscapes here will blow your mind.
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Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Botswana
In this guide, we explain further about the best time of the year to visit Botswana for a safari by month, and apart from sharing with you insights to Botswana’s best safari months, our listed Botswana climate guide is designed to assist you plan your ultimate trip to Botswana.
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Overall Best Time to Visit Botswana
Travelling to Botswana from May to September (Dry Season and Winter) – Best time to visit Botswana’s most popular parks including Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chobe
Year-round – Wildlife viewing is good, but can different depending on park
Best weather – April and May
Visiting Botswana In January
Travelling for Botswana safari in January?
Botswana in January is the wettest month, with average daily temperatures ranging between 30°C/86°F and 35°C/95°F and hot days approaching 40°C/104°F. In January the rainfall is unpredictable with heavy downpours. Most travel experts will tell you that January is not the most popular time to visit Botswana, but prices will be a lot lower than in peak season. This is a great time to take advantage of any Okavango Delta safari specials on offer. It is also an excellent month for birding for both numbers and diversity of species.
Visiting Botswana In February
Travelling for Botswana safari in February?
Botswana in February will be very muddy and humid this month as it records the heaviest rainfall of the year. If you’re planning on travelling to Botswana in February, you will arrive during the wettest month of the year. The heavy rains turn the landscape into a lush, green paradise especially in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. February is the start of breeding season in this reserve for the local antelope population, when you can view newborns taking their first steps. There is also a wide variety of birds in the area during February.
Visiting Botswana In March
Travelling for Botswana safari in March?
While visiting Botswana in March, you will experience a steady drop in temperature as the rainfall continues throughout March. As for the hot days across the country it can still reach the mid 30°C/86°F. This month of the year is renowned as the best time to visit Botswana for landscape photography, because of the vibrant green terrain brought on the by the heavy summer rainfall. Unless you are interested in birds which are wonderful during this time, visiting Botswana from December to March remains the most challenging time of year for a safari.
Visiting Botswana In April
Travelling for Botswana safari in April?
A safari to Botswana in April – May marks the shoulder season, and is an excellent time to visit. By April the heavy rainfall has almost completely stopped across the country, and you will experience cooler mornings and evenings with warm days and little-to-no rain. With the improving weather comes exciting game viewing opportunities too, all the way to October.
By mid-month the water levels in the Okavango Delta slowly begin to rise hitting full flow by the end of May. April is the beginning of the breeding season for various antelope is well underway, when the males start to size one another up with the aim of getting the attention of the females.
Visiting Botswana In May
Travelling for Botswana safari in May?
Botswana in May is the start of the dry winter season, with Average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C/77°F to 30°C/86°F, and it’s generally slightly warmer in the north and cooler in the south. May is considered one of the best all-round safari month for visiting Botswana and offers excellent game viewing, mild, dry weather and the campsites and safari parks are not too busy – as this is before peak season later in the year.
An ideal time to head to the Chobe River or Okavango Delta to spot an array of wildlife quenching their thirst. Encounter more wildlife sightings at their best in the Savuti region where buffalo and zebra can be found in large numbers while the elephant herds return to the Linyati Chobe River System in May.
Visiting Botswana In June
Travelling for Botswana safari in June?
June and July are Botswana’s coldest months with temperatures known to drop below zero, they too offer some of the best safari sightings across Africa. As for late June, marks the beginning of peak season and July to September being the busiest times in the parks – the Okavango River is in full flood making for incredible mokoro and water-based excursions.
It’s recommended to book your spot in advance if you’re planning to a safari to Botswana at this very popular time of year. The climate is excellent in June for outdoor activities and places to visit in Botswana. 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, with the morning game drives at times very chilly, so come prepared with some warm safari clothing’s.
Visiting Botswana In July
Travelling for Botswana safari in July?
Botswana in July is characterized by warm days with cooler evenings, and travelers can expect winter temperatures dropping to the low 40 °C at night, so a windproof jacket, fleece and long pants are a must.
If you’re planning to go in July, you will arrive at the start of the peak season, the busiest months and there are plenty of things to do in Botswana. July is also a great time to travel with families as there are no mosquitos, so it’s a good time for family adventures.
July is the prime time to visit the famed Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park – keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife as they gather in the thousands along the water channels at this time. Game viewing is excellent along the water channels of these destinations.
Visiting Botswana In August
Travelling for Botswana safari in August?
Botswana in August is a very dry time across the country with the daytime temperatures rising rapidly, and hot days across the country regularly topping 30°C/86°F. August is a very popular safari month in Botswana although towards the end of the month there is a chance of brief rain showers in the south.
As the winter season progresses in Botswana, clear blue skies stretch above the massive landscape making the climate of Botswana perfect for a safari towards the end of winter.
The water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest and have now reached as far south as Maun, making game viewing experiences along the waterways is at its best. August marks the start of the catfish run in the northwest panhandle, the main water source for the Okavango.
Visiting Botswana In September
Travelling for Botswana safari in September?
Botswana in September stays completely dry as the heat gradually builds, reaching its peak in October when the mercury can hit 40°C (104°F), it’s the end of the country’s parched winter but the center and south of Botswana may receive a few scattered showers.
In Botswana, September is one of the hottest and driest months of the year where food and water become dangerously scarce, as hundreds of elephants make their way to the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers to quench their thirst since they rely on this water source for survival and can consume up to 200 litres (53 gallons) of water in one day.
Finding and spotting game, especially the Big Five, can be somewhat easier for safari-goers in September as large numbers of animals crowd the only available food and water sources in the region.
Visiting Botswana In October
Travelling for Botswana safari in October?
Travelling to Botswana in October is the hottest month, characterised by temperatures that can exceed 40°C/104°F in the country’s north whereas the south remains a bit cooler. Despite the heat, this is still a very popular month for Botswana tours, especially along the Chobe River which is famous for its thirsty herds of elephants along its banks Known for drinking up to 200 litres of water a day, after a long, hot day. If you can stand the heat of October in Botswana, wildlife is easy to spot, especially in the early mornings and evenings as the landscapes are clearer due to the grazed-down vegetation with clear skies that turn pale blue.
Visiting Botswana In November
Travelling for Botswana safari in November?
When planning to visit Botswana in November, it’s best to keep in mind that November usually brings the start of the rainy season, and whilst game viewing can still be excellent with great visibility, certain animals will start to scatter as soon as enough rain starts falling.
At the same time later in the month, this is the start of the spring season for Botswana safaris, also a rather unpredictable month as depending on the timing of rains, it could be very wet or very dry. Once the rains do begin, the landscapes are filled with newborn new-born calves, while hungry predators target them.
Visiting Botswana In December
Travelling for Botswana safari in December?
When planning to visit Botswana in December, the rainy days start increasing ending with an average rainfall of 70-80mm per month. One can expect some very hot days reaching up to 40°​. Temperatures rarely drop below 15°​ at night.
This is Botswana’s wettest months, thunderstorms return to Botswana with bursts of rain sustaining the landscapes, helping the vegetation to recover and grazing lands to return back to normal. For African wildlife photographers, the situation is different because they will love the moody skies and lush landscapes that comes with this season.
Not unless you are mainly interested in birds which are wonderful during this time, this is the most challenging time of year to visit Botswana, from December to March is the ‘green’ season – high temperatures and heavy showers, although it’s also the cheapest time to visit, there are fewer travelers than usual, and some lodges and camps shut up shop completely.
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Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Botswana?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Botswana? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
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Discover Kenya Safaris
When it comes to choosing the best places for an African safari, it’s difficult to beat a safari to Kenya’s national parks and conservancies. Kenya delivers some of the best African safaris so far, from unforgettable African family safaris with child-friendly safari lodges to exclusive hide-outs for couples and honeymoon trips, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Frequently Asked Botswana Safari Questions
Q. Passport, Visa & Other Kenya Entry Requirements
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia   –   www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada   –   travel.gc.ca
EU Member States   –   ec.europa.eu
Ireland   –   www.ireland.ie
New Zealand   –   www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom   –   www.gov.uk
United States   –   travel.state.gov
Q. How much does a safari in Kenya cost?
The cost for a Kenya safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Kenya safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Kenya safari cost depends on the following factors:
– Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
– Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
– Duration of your stay in Kenya.
– Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Kenya safaris or by road, using a comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
– Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
Q. What medication do I need for Kenya safari?
About medicine on your trip to Kenya, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Kenya for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
Q. Where to stay on safari in Kenya
With hundreds of excellent luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Kenya – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Our list of the best Kenya safari lodges also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
Q. Where are the places to visit in Kenya?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Botswana Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Botswana Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Botswana Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.