​Best Time To Visit – Botswana

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Botswana & Namibia guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the Botswana & Namibia Lonely Planet guide.

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The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are Botswana's most popular parks. The best time to visit them is from May to September, during the Dry season and winter, resulting in more moderate temperatures. In addition, the Okavango is flooded from June to October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks. See below to learn when to visit which park.


387 Botswana Safaris
Best Time June to September (Okavango, Moremi, Chobe), March to May (Other, drier parks)
High Season July to October (Will not feel too crowded, except for Chobe)
Low Season December to April (Some lodges and camps close down)
Best Weather April and May (Moderate temperatures, little to no rainfall, and few clouds)
Worst Weather October and November (Very hot), January and February (Peak of Wet season)

May to October –Dry Season – Winter

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to April –Wet Season – Summer

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Wildlife Photos

Stalking leopard
Elephant bull in the Kaporota Lagoon
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

Moremi, Okavango and Chobe are most popular and offer year-round wildlife viewing. They are at their best during the Dry season when wildlife is easier to spot, and the Okavango is flooded. The other, drier parks are best to visit during, or just after, the Wet season when fresh grasses attract wildlife.

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