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Escape Safari Blog
Escape Blog

Our blog is where we share what we’re learning, what we’re noticing, and what’s worth knowing before you go. Field notes, destination guides, seasonal updates.

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The Country

Botswana Safari Guide

Botswana’s reputation rests on a rare combination of ecological integrity, political stability and a low-impact tourism model that has protected vast landscapes while allowing travellers to experience them in comfort and privacy. From the floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the elephant-rich riverfront of Chobe and the haunting silence of the Kalahari, Botswana offers safari in its most elemental form.

For discerning travellers, Botswana delivers what is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: space, exclusivity and truly expert guiding. Many of the finest camps are reached by light aircraft, deepening the sense of escape from the moment you arrive. Days unfold on water, on foot and by vehicle; nights are often lit by lanterns, firelight and the sounds of the bush. It is a destination that rewards those who value authenticity, privacy and beautifully run camps as much as exceptional wildlife.

Where to go

Explore Botswana

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most iconic safari landscape and one of the most extraordinary wetland systems on Earth. A shifting world of channels, lagoons, palm-fringed islands and seasonal floodplains, it offers a safari that feels fluid, intimate and deeply atmospheric.

Learn More about Okavango Delta ↓

The Selinda Reserve

The Selinda Reserve links the Okavango, Linyanti and Chobe ecosystems and is one of Botswana’s most refined private safari destinations. Known for its sweeping floodplains, intimate camp style and strong predator activity, it offers a highly polished safari without losing its sense of wildness.

Learn More about The Selinda Reserve ↓

Linyanti

The Linyanti is one of northern Botswana’s great private safari regions: remote, exclusive and particularly strong for predator sightings and large elephant concentrations in the dry season. It lies west of Chobe and north of the Delta, centred on the Linyanti River, marshes and floodplains.

Learn More about Linyanti ↓

Makgadikgadi

The Makgadikgadi region is one of Botswana’s most atmospheric contrasts: less about classic Big Five safari and more about silence, scale and surprising seasonal drama. In the dry months the pans are vast, white and near-mirage-like; after the rains, parts of the basin green up and attract zebra, wildebeest and flamingos.

Learn More about Makgadikgadi ↓

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s easiest big-name safari to access, yet it still delivers some of the country’s most memorable wildlife spectacles. The Chobe Riverfront, in particular, is famous for its elephant herds, boat-based game viewing and dramatic late-afternoon light.

Learn More about Chobe ↓

Central Kalahari

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana at its most elemental: immense, open and deeply quiet. This is not a safari of constant vehicle traffic or riverfront drama, but of subtle movement, long light, distant horizons and animals perfectly adapted to arid conditions.

Learn More about Central Kalahari ↓

Map Key

AREAS WE RECOMMEND

click on these icons to learn more about the area.

Points of Interest

LAKES / WATER ZONES

Moremi Game Reserve Savuti Nxai Pan National Park Khutse Game Reserve Khama Rhino Sanctuary Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Mabuasehube Game Reserve Tuli Block Savuti Channel Tsodile Hills Aha Hills Gcwihaba Caves Lake Ngami Lake Xau Magwangqana Spillway Makgadikgadi Pans - Sowa Pan Makgadikgadi Pans - Ntwetwe pan Shakawe Nata Francistown

Plan by region

Botswana REGIONS

Click a region below to learn more about the area.

01

overview

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most iconic safari landscape and one of the most extraordinary wetland systems on Earth. A shifting world of channels, lagoons, palm-fringed islands and seasonal floodplains, it offers a safari that feels fluid, intimate and deeply atmospheric. Some areas are defined by permanent water and are best explored by boat or mokoro, while others combine floodplain beauty with excellent land-based game viewing. It is a region of contrast: tranquil on the surface, yet astonishingly rich in life.
Reasons to Visit
The Okavango is one of the world’s genuinely rare natural phenomena: an inland river system that fans out across the Kalahari sands of northern Botswana, creating an ever-shifting mosaic of lagoons, channels, floodplains and islands that supports one of Africa’s most diverse concentrations of wildlife. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, becoming the 1,000th site to receive that designation.
The Okavango supports one of the highest densities of large predators on the continent. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena all move through the same channels and islands, sustained by the extraordinary concentration of prey that the water brings. It is, in practical terms, one of the most reliable places in Africa to encounter Africa’s most sought-after animals.
Travelling the delta by mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe, is one of Africa’s great quiet pleasures. Poled silently through reed-lined channels by a guide who has known these waterways since childhood, you move at a pace that lets the Okavango come to you: a malachite kingfisher on a papyrus stem, the submerged shape of a hippo just below the surface, the particular stillness of water in the early morning.
02

HABITATS

Okavango Delta

Permanent Channels and Lagoons
Seasonal Floodplains
Papyrus and reedbeds
Riverine Woodland
Palm islands
Permanent Channels and Lagoons
The lifeblood of the delta, these water arteries support hippo, crocodile and concentrations of waterbirds year-round, while their lily-covered surfaces reflect the clarity of water that has travelled 1,200 kilometres from the Angolan highlands to reach here.
Seasonal Floodplains
As the annual flood pulse moves southward, these inundated grasslands become critical feeding grounds for lechwe, buffalo and elephant, and the predators that follow the grazing herds onto the receding water's edge.
Papyrus and reedbeds
Dense stands lining the deeper channels that provide nesting habitat for the delta's birdlife. Sitatunga move through them almost invisibly, perfectly adapted to this thick, waterlogged world.
Riverine Woodland
Bands of jackalberry and sycamore fig shading the higher ground above the floodplains, providing fruiting trees that feed elephant and baboon, and the cover that makes this terrain productive for leopard through the heat of the day.
Palm islands
The elevated, dry ground of the delta's islands, fringed with wild date palms. Resting places for lion and leopard, and the stage for some of the delta's most intimate wildlife encounters.
03

WILDLIFE

Okavango Delta

Elephant

The Delta's elephant population moves fluidly between permanent water and seasonal floodplains, with some of the largest bulls in Botswana found in the deeper concessions year-round.

Lion

Several well-studied prides occupy the Delta's islands and floodplain edges, with territories that shift seasonally as water levels and prey distribution change.

Leopard

Leopard density is high across palm island habitats, where the combination of tall trees, dense cover and reliable prey makes the Delta one of Botswana's more productive areas for sightings.

Red Lechwe

The Delta holds the largest concentration of red lechwe in Botswana. These antelope are superbly adapted to shallow water and are most spectacular when herds are pushed onto the floodplains by rising water.

Hippo

Hippo are abundant throughout the permanent channels and lagoons, and close encounters during mokoro excursions are a defining feature of water-based Delta safari.

Pel's Fishing Owl

One of Africa's most elusive large owls, the Pel's fishing owl is a Delta speciality, found roosting in tall riparian trees along permanent channels. A night spotlight is usually required.
04

ACTIVITIES

Okavango Delta

05

WEATHER

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, situated in northern Botswana, boasts a unique climate influenced by its location in the Kalahari Basin and the annual flooding of the Okavango River. The climate in the Okavango Delta can be broadly divided into two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
Wet Season : Also referred to as the “Green Season,” this period is characterised by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can occasionally exceed 104°F (40°C). This is also the time when the Okavango River floods, transforming the delta into a lush, green oasis teeming with life. The wet season is ideal for birdwatching, as numerous migratory species flock to the area.
Dry Season : The dry season in the Okavango Delta is marked by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As the floodwaters from the Okavango River recede, large concentrations of wildlife gather around the remaining water sources, making this the prime season for game viewing.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in The Okavango Delta is characterised by high temperatures, warm days, and pleasant nights. It is a great time for wildlife viewing as many species gather around the water sources.
Average High Temperature
33.1°C/ 91.6°F
Average Low Temperature
19.9°C/ 67.8°F
Average Rainfall
90.7 mm/ 3.57 in
February in The Okavango Delta offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are still abundant.
Average High Temperature
32.9°C/ 91.2°F
Average Low Temperature
19.7°C/ 67.5°F
Average Rainfall
86.8 mm/ 3.42 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. The landscape is lush and green, attracting a variety of animals.
Average High Temperature
32.1°C/ 89.8°F
Average Low Temperature
19.2°C/ 66.6°F
Average Rainfall
72.2 mm/ 2.84 in
April marks the transition into the drier season. Temperatures begin to decrease, and wildlife sightings become more concentrated around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.7°C/ 85.5°F
Average Low Temperature
17.4°C/ 63.3°F
Average Rainfall
31.1 mm/ 1.22 in
May brings cooler temperatures, especially during the nights. It is the start of the dry season, and animals start to gather near remaining waterholes and rivers.
Average High Temperature
26.2°C/ 79.2°F
Average Low Temperature
13.2°C/ 55.8°F
Average Rainfall
9.1 mm/ 0.36 in
June marks the beginning of winter in The Okavango Delta. The days are mild, and nights can be chilly. Wildlife concentrations increase around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
23.6°C/ 74.5°F
Average Low Temperature
8.8°C/ 47.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.2 mm/ 0.05 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the delta’s diverse ecosystems.
Average High Temperature
23.8°C/ 74.8°F
Average Low Temperature
7.8°C/ 46.0°F
Average Rainfall
0.6 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
27.5°C/ 81.5°F
Average Low Temperature
11.3°C/ 52.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.7 mm/ 0.03 in
September in The Okavango Delta marks the end of winter. The weather starts to warm up, and wildlife becomes more active. It is a great time for birdwatching and exploring the waterways.
Average High Temperature
31.1°C/ 88.0°F
Average Low Temperature
16.4°C/ 61.5°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
October brings warmer temperatures, and the delta starts to fill up with water. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is an ideal time for boating safaris.
Average High Temperature
33.3°C/ 91.9°F
Average Low Temperature
19.3°C/ 66.7°F
Average Rainfall
5.7 mm/ 0.22 in
November is the start of the rainy season in The Okavango Delta. The landscape becomes greener, and wildlife disperses throughout the delta.
Average High Temperature
33.1°C/ 91.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.2°C/ 68.4°F
Average Rainfall
45.2 mm/ 1.78 in
December brings increased rainfall, creating lush vegetation and attracting a wide variety of animals. It is a great time for birdwatching and exploring the delta’s water channels.
Average High Temperature
32.5°C/ 90.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.4°C/ 68.7°F
Average Rainfall
78.3 mm/ 3.08 in

01

overview

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is Botswana’s most iconic safari landscape and one of the most extraordinary wetland systems on Earth. A shifting world of channels, lagoons, palm-fringed islands and seasonal floodplains, it offers a safari that feels fluid, intimate and deeply atmospheric. Some areas are defined by permanent water and are best explored by boat or mokoro, while others combine floodplain beauty with excellent land-based game viewing. It is a region of contrast: tranquil on the surface, yet astonishingly rich in life.
Reasons to Visit
The Okavango is one of the world’s genuinely rare natural phenomena: an inland river system that fans out across the Kalahari sands of northern Botswana, creating an ever-shifting mosaic of lagoons, channels, floodplains and islands that supports one of Africa’s most diverse concentrations of wildlife. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, becoming the 1,000th site to receive that designation.
The Okavango supports one of the highest densities of large predators on the continent. Lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena all move through the same channels and islands, sustained by the extraordinary concentration of prey that the water brings. It is, in practical terms, one of the most reliable places in Africa to encounter Africa’s most sought-after animals.
Travelling the delta by mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe, is one of Africa’s great quiet pleasures. Poled silently through reed-lined channels by a guide who has known these waterways since childhood, you move at a pace that lets the Okavango come to you: a malachite kingfisher on a papyrus stem, the submerged shape of a hippo just below the surface, the particular stillness of water in the early morning.
02

HABITATS

Okavango Delta

Permanent Channels and Lagoons
Seasonal Floodplains
Papyrus and reedbeds
Riverine Woodland
Palm islands
Permanent Channels and Lagoons
The lifeblood of the delta, these water arteries support hippo, crocodile and concentrations of waterbirds year-round, while their lily-covered surfaces reflect the clarity of water that has travelled 1,200 kilometres from the Angolan highlands to reach here.
Seasonal Floodplains
As the annual flood pulse moves southward, these inundated grasslands become critical feeding grounds for lechwe, buffalo and elephant, and the predators that follow the grazing herds onto the receding water's edge.
Papyrus and reedbeds
Dense stands lining the deeper channels that provide nesting habitat for the delta's birdlife. Sitatunga move through them almost invisibly, perfectly adapted to this thick, waterlogged world.
Riverine Woodland
Bands of jackalberry and sycamore fig shading the higher ground above the floodplains, providing fruiting trees that feed elephant and baboon, and the cover that makes this terrain productive for leopard through the heat of the day.
Palm islands
The elevated, dry ground of the delta's islands, fringed with wild date palms. Resting places for lion and leopard, and the stage for some of the delta's most intimate wildlife encounters.
03

WILDLIFE

Okavango Delta

Elephant

The Delta's elephant population moves fluidly between permanent water and seasonal floodplains, with some of the largest bulls in Botswana found in the deeper concessions year-round.

Lion

Several well-studied prides occupy the Delta's islands and floodplain edges, with territories that shift seasonally as water levels and prey distribution change.

Leopard

Leopard density is high across palm island habitats, where the combination of tall trees, dense cover and reliable prey makes the Delta one of Botswana's more productive areas for sightings.

Red Lechwe

The Delta holds the largest concentration of red lechwe in Botswana. These antelope are superbly adapted to shallow water and are most spectacular when herds are pushed onto the floodplains by rising water.

Hippo

Hippo are abundant throughout the permanent channels and lagoons, and close encounters during mokoro excursions are a defining feature of water-based Delta safari.

Pel's Fishing Owl

One of Africa's most elusive large owls, the Pel's fishing owl is a Delta speciality, found roosting in tall riparian trees along permanent channels. A night spotlight is usually required.
04

ACTIVITIES

Okavango Delta

05

WEATHER

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, situated in northern Botswana, boasts a unique climate influenced by its location in the Kalahari Basin and the annual flooding of the Okavango River. The climate in the Okavango Delta can be broadly divided into two seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
Wet Season : Also referred to as the “Green Season,” this period is characterised by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can occasionally exceed 104°F (40°C). This is also the time when the Okavango River floods, transforming the delta into a lush, green oasis teeming with life. The wet season is ideal for birdwatching, as numerous migratory species flock to the area.
Dry Season : The dry season in the Okavango Delta is marked by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As the floodwaters from the Okavango River recede, large concentrations of wildlife gather around the remaining water sources, making this the prime season for game viewing.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in The Okavango Delta is characterised by high temperatures, warm days, and pleasant nights. It is a great time for wildlife viewing as many species gather around the water sources.
Average High Temperature
33.1°C/ 91.6°F
Average Low Temperature
19.9°C/ 67.8°F
Average Rainfall
90.7 mm/ 3.57 in
February in The Okavango Delta offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are still abundant.
Average High Temperature
32.9°C/ 91.2°F
Average Low Temperature
19.7°C/ 67.5°F
Average Rainfall
86.8 mm/ 3.42 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. The landscape is lush and green, attracting a variety of animals.
Average High Temperature
32.1°C/ 89.8°F
Average Low Temperature
19.2°C/ 66.6°F
Average Rainfall
72.2 mm/ 2.84 in
April marks the transition into the drier season. Temperatures begin to decrease, and wildlife sightings become more concentrated around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.7°C/ 85.5°F
Average Low Temperature
17.4°C/ 63.3°F
Average Rainfall
31.1 mm/ 1.22 in
May brings cooler temperatures, especially during the nights. It is the start of the dry season, and animals start to gather near remaining waterholes and rivers.
Average High Temperature
26.2°C/ 79.2°F
Average Low Temperature
13.2°C/ 55.8°F
Average Rainfall
9.1 mm/ 0.36 in
June marks the beginning of winter in The Okavango Delta. The days are mild, and nights can be chilly. Wildlife concentrations increase around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
23.6°C/ 74.5°F
Average Low Temperature
8.8°C/ 47.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.2 mm/ 0.05 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the delta’s diverse ecosystems.
Average High Temperature
23.8°C/ 74.8°F
Average Low Temperature
7.8°C/ 46.0°F
Average Rainfall
0.6 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
27.5°C/ 81.5°F
Average Low Temperature
11.3°C/ 52.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.7 mm/ 0.03 in
September in The Okavango Delta marks the end of winter. The weather starts to warm up, and wildlife becomes more active. It is a great time for birdwatching and exploring the waterways.
Average High Temperature
31.1°C/ 88.0°F
Average Low Temperature
16.4°C/ 61.5°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
October brings warmer temperatures, and the delta starts to fill up with water. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is an ideal time for boating safaris.
Average High Temperature
33.3°C/ 91.9°F
Average Low Temperature
19.3°C/ 66.7°F
Average Rainfall
5.7 mm/ 0.22 in
November is the start of the rainy season in The Okavango Delta. The landscape becomes greener, and wildlife disperses throughout the delta.
Average High Temperature
33.1°C/ 91.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.2°C/ 68.4°F
Average Rainfall
45.2 mm/ 1.78 in
December brings increased rainfall, creating lush vegetation and attracting a wide variety of animals. It is a great time for birdwatching and exploring the delta’s water channels.
Average High Temperature
32.5°C/ 90.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.4°C/ 68.7°F
Average Rainfall
78.3 mm/ 3.08 in

01

overview

The Selinda Reserve

The Selinda Reserve links the Okavango, Linyanti and Chobe ecosystems and is one of Botswana’s most refined private safari destinations. Known for its sweeping floodplains, intimate camp style and strong predator activity, it offers a highly polished safari without losing its sense of wildness. It is particularly appealing to travellers who want both beauty and diversity: open plains for big game, waterways for atmosphere, and a high standard of guiding throughout.
Reasons to Visit
A rare seasonal waterway that winds through one of Botswana’s most pristine wilderness areas, the Selinda Spillway draws extraordinary concentrations of wildlife to its banks. When the waters flow, the spectacle that follows is nothing short of breathtaking.
Selinda is one of Africa’s most reliable places to encounter the endangered African wild dog — a creature as captivating as it is rare. Watching a pack move through the bush together is the kind of sighting that reminds you why you came.
With a strict limit on visitor numbers, Selinda offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: genuine solitude in the wild. Here, the bush feels entirely your own — unhurried, unshared, and unforgettable.
02

HABITATS

The Selinda Reserve

Spillways
Riverine woodland
Open savanna
Mopane Woodland
Marsh fringes
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Spillways
The Selinda Spillway connects the Okavango and Linyanti systems, flooding in good water years to create wildlife spectacles as animals converge on the moving waterline, one of northern Botswana's great seasonal events.
Riverine woodland
Belts of trees following the spillway and the reserve's seasonal watercourses, providing cover for leopard and the canopy under which game gathers through the heat of the day.
Open savanna
Wide, open ground between the water systems, supporting grazers, and giving the reserve's predators unobstructed terrain that suits their hunting style.
Mopane Woodland
The reserve's drier interior is thick with mopane, supporting browsing elephant and a rich understorey birdlife, dense habitat that rewards slow and patient game driving.
Marsh fringes
Transitional habitat where the floodwaters thin out into reed and sedge, reliable drinking and feeding points that concentrate game and predators in the dry season and attract a diversity of waterbirds.
03

WILDLIFE

The Selinda Reserve

Elephant

Elephant move through Selinda as part of broader migration patterns linking the Okavango and Linyanti systems, with numbers peaking during the dry season as water concentrates near the spillway.

Buffalo

Large herds use Selinda's open floodplains during and after the green season, often in the company of lion and hyena that track their movements across the reserve.

Lion

Selinda's lion prides are well established and regularly encountered on the open floodplain terrain, where the combination of prey density and sight lines makes for excellent viewing.

Wild Dog

Wild dog packs use the Selinda concession regularly, and the reserve's open floodplain terrain makes for exceptional dog sightings when packs are actively hunting.

Cheetah

Cheetah occur in the open savanna sections of Selinda where the terrain and prey availability suit their hunting style, though sightings are less frequent than in more arid ecosystems.

Red Lechwe

Lechwe are a defining feature of the Selinda floodplains, with herds moving onto seasonally inundated grassland as the spillway fills and receding water exposes fresh growth.
04

ACTIVITIES

The Selinda Reserve

05

WEATHER

The Selinda Reserve

The Selinda Reserve, a private wildlife reserve in northern Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into two primary periods
The wet season in the Selinda Reserve is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and significant rainfall, with the heaviest rains typically occurring between December and February. Daytime temperatures usually range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), with cooler nights. While the wet season can be a great time to see young animals and vibrant landscapes, it may not be ideal for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is dense and water is abundant, making it harder to spot animals. Some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and some lodges may close during the wettest months.
The dry season in the Selinda Reserve features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially from June to August. The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense during this period, improving visibility. However, the area can be more crowded with tourists during the peak season from July to October.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Selinda Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon showers. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife gathers near water sources.
Average High Temperature
35.2°C/ 95.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.3°C/ 70.3°F
Average Rainfall
128.4 mm/ 5.06 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, especially around the Selinda Spillway.
Average High Temperature
34.2°C/ 93.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.9°C/ 69.6°F
Average Rainfall
109.8 mm/ 4.32 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. It is a transitional period, with lush vegetation and opportunities for birdwatching.
Average High Temperature
33.2°C/ 91.8°F
Average Low Temperature
20.0°C/ 68.0°F
Average Rainfall
90.0 mm/ 3.54 in
April marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. Wildlife is still active, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
31.7°C/ 89.1°F
Average Low Temperature
18.1°C/ 64.6°F
Average Rainfall
39.0 mm/ 1.54 in
May brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game viewing, as wildlife congregates around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
15.1°C/ 59.2°F
Average Rainfall
10.0 mm/ 0.39 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife concentrations increase near water sources, offering excellent sightings.
Average High Temperature
26.7°C/ 80.1°F
Average Low Temperature
11.2°C/ 52.2°F
Average Rainfall
2.0 mm/ 0.08 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the reserve.
Average High Temperature
26.7°C/ 80.1°F
Average Low Temperature
10.7°C/ 51.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.5 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
13.0°C/ 55.4°F
Average Rainfall
0.1 mm/ 0.00 in
September in Selinda Reserve marks the beginning of the hot and dry season. Wildlife concentrations are high, providing exciting game viewing experiences.
Average High Temperature
32.8°C/ 91.0°F
Average Low Temperature
17.1°C/ 62.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.1 mm/ 0.04 in
October brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is a prime time for game drives, as animals gather near waterholes and the Selinda Spillway.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
19.7°C/ 67.5°F
Average Rainfall
13.0 mm/ 0.51 in
November offers similar conditions to October, with increasing chances of rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
34.8°C/ 94.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.4°C/ 68.7°F
Average Rainfall
64.3 mm/ 2.53 in
December in Selinda Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
21.1°C/ 70.0°F
Average Rainfall
112.6 mm/ 4.43 in

01

overview

The Selinda Reserve

The Selinda Reserve links the Okavango, Linyanti and Chobe ecosystems and is one of Botswana’s most refined private safari destinations. Known for its sweeping floodplains, intimate camp style and strong predator activity, it offers a highly polished safari without losing its sense of wildness. It is particularly appealing to travellers who want both beauty and diversity: open plains for big game, waterways for atmosphere, and a high standard of guiding throughout.
Reasons to Visit
A rare seasonal waterway that winds through one of Botswana’s most pristine wilderness areas, the Selinda Spillway draws extraordinary concentrations of wildlife to its banks. When the waters flow, the spectacle that follows is nothing short of breathtaking.
Selinda is one of Africa’s most reliable places to encounter the endangered African wild dog — a creature as captivating as it is rare. Watching a pack move through the bush together is the kind of sighting that reminds you why you came.
With a strict limit on visitor numbers, Selinda offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: genuine solitude in the wild. Here, the bush feels entirely your own — unhurried, unshared, and unforgettable.
02

HABITATS

The Selinda Reserve

Spillways
Riverine woodland
Open savanna
Mopane Woodland
Marsh fringes
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Great Plains
Spillways
The Selinda Spillway connects the Okavango and Linyanti systems, flooding in good water years to create wildlife spectacles as animals converge on the moving waterline, one of northern Botswana's great seasonal events.
Riverine woodland
Belts of trees following the spillway and the reserve's seasonal watercourses, providing cover for leopard and the canopy under which game gathers through the heat of the day.
Open savanna
Wide, open ground between the water systems, supporting grazers, and giving the reserve's predators unobstructed terrain that suits their hunting style.
Mopane Woodland
The reserve's drier interior is thick with mopane, supporting browsing elephant and a rich understorey birdlife, dense habitat that rewards slow and patient game driving.
Marsh fringes
Transitional habitat where the floodwaters thin out into reed and sedge, reliable drinking and feeding points that concentrate game and predators in the dry season and attract a diversity of waterbirds.
03

WILDLIFE

The Selinda Reserve

Elephant

Elephant move through Selinda as part of broader migration patterns linking the Okavango and Linyanti systems, with numbers peaking during the dry season as water concentrates near the spillway.

Buffalo

Large herds use Selinda's open floodplains during and after the green season, often in the company of lion and hyena that track their movements across the reserve.

Lion

Selinda's lion prides are well established and regularly encountered on the open floodplain terrain, where the combination of prey density and sight lines makes for excellent viewing.

Wild Dog

Wild dog packs use the Selinda concession regularly, and the reserve's open floodplain terrain makes for exceptional dog sightings when packs are actively hunting.

Cheetah

Cheetah occur in the open savanna sections of Selinda where the terrain and prey availability suit their hunting style, though sightings are less frequent than in more arid ecosystems.

Red Lechwe

Lechwe are a defining feature of the Selinda floodplains, with herds moving onto seasonally inundated grassland as the spillway fills and receding water exposes fresh growth.
04

ACTIVITIES

The Selinda Reserve

05

WEATHER

The Selinda Reserve

The Selinda Reserve, a private wildlife reserve in northern Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into two primary periods
The wet season in the Selinda Reserve is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and significant rainfall, with the heaviest rains typically occurring between December and February. Daytime temperatures usually range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), with cooler nights. While the wet season can be a great time to see young animals and vibrant landscapes, it may not be ideal for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is dense and water is abundant, making it harder to spot animals. Some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and some lodges may close during the wettest months.
The dry season in the Selinda Reserve features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially from June to August. The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense during this period, improving visibility. However, the area can be more crowded with tourists during the peak season from July to October.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Selinda Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon showers. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife gathers near water sources.
Average High Temperature
35.2°C/ 95.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.3°C/ 70.3°F
Average Rainfall
128.4 mm/ 5.06 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, especially around the Selinda Spillway.
Average High Temperature
34.2°C/ 93.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.9°C/ 69.6°F
Average Rainfall
109.8 mm/ 4.32 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. It is a transitional period, with lush vegetation and opportunities for birdwatching.
Average High Temperature
33.2°C/ 91.8°F
Average Low Temperature
20.0°C/ 68.0°F
Average Rainfall
90.0 mm/ 3.54 in
April marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. Wildlife is still active, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
31.7°C/ 89.1°F
Average Low Temperature
18.1°C/ 64.6°F
Average Rainfall
39.0 mm/ 1.54 in
May brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game viewing, as wildlife congregates around permanent water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
15.1°C/ 59.2°F
Average Rainfall
10.0 mm/ 0.39 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife concentrations increase near water sources, offering excellent sightings.
Average High Temperature
26.7°C/ 80.1°F
Average Low Temperature
11.2°C/ 52.2°F
Average Rainfall
2.0 mm/ 0.08 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the reserve.
Average High Temperature
26.7°C/ 80.1°F
Average Low Temperature
10.7°C/ 51.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.5 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
13.0°C/ 55.4°F
Average Rainfall
0.1 mm/ 0.00 in
September in Selinda Reserve marks the beginning of the hot and dry season. Wildlife concentrations are high, providing exciting game viewing experiences.
Average High Temperature
32.8°C/ 91.0°F
Average Low Temperature
17.1°C/ 62.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.1 mm/ 0.04 in
October brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is a prime time for game drives, as animals gather near waterholes and the Selinda Spillway.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
19.7°C/ 67.5°F
Average Rainfall
13.0 mm/ 0.51 in
November offers similar conditions to October, with increasing chances of rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
34.8°C/ 94.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.4°C/ 68.7°F
Average Rainfall
64.3 mm/ 2.53 in
December in Selinda Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
21.1°C/ 70.0°F
Average Rainfall
112.6 mm/ 4.43 in

01

overview

Linyanti

The Linyanti is one of northern Botswana’s great private safari regions: remote, exclusive and particularly strong for predator sightings and large elephant concentrations in the dry season. It lies west of Chobe and north of the Delta, centred on the Linyanti River, marshes and floodplains. Compared with the Delta, it often feels wilder, drier and more dramatic, with a strong sense of frontier wilderness and fewer camps.
Reasons to Visit
The Linyanti region sits in the far north of Botswana, accessible only by light aircraft, which keeps visitor numbers low by design and the atmosphere genuinely quiet. Sharing a waterhole with a pride of lions feels different when there is no one else watching.
The channels, papyrus beds and mopane woodlands of Linyanti create exceptional habitat for large predators. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are all regularly encountered here, often in remarkable proximity and without the vehicle congestion that can diminish sightings elsewhere.
Linyanti is managed as a series of private concessions with strict limits on visitor numbers, which means game drives operate with a freedom that national park rules rarely permit. Night drives, off-road tracking and walking safaris are conducted without constraint — which means following an animal where it leads, not where a road allows.
02

HABITATS

Linyanti

River Frontage
Seasonal Floodplains
Mopane Woodland
Open Grassland
Riverine Forest
Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
River Frontage
The Linyanti River forms a natural boundary and one of northern Botswana's finest wildlife corridors, its banks supporting hippo, crocodile and year-round elephant concentrations that rank among the largest in Africa.
Seasonal Floodplains
As waters rise and fall, these open, flooded areas become staging grounds for buffalo herds and their attendant predators, with wild dog, lion and leopard all present. Permanent pools held within the floodplain system, retaining water through the dry season and concentrating hippo, crocodile and waterbirds in habitat used year-round by the area's resident game.
Mopane Woodland
The dominant inland habitat, its canopy and distinctive butterfly-leaf providing browse for elephant and supporting a woodland birdlife, along with the shade and cover that make it productive territory for leopard.
Open Grassland
Transitional terrain between the wetlands and the denser woodland, where zebra, wildebeest and impala graze and cheetah have the space and sight lines they need to hunt.
Riverine Forest
Tall trees threading along drainage lines deep into the reserve, providing feeding corridors for elephant and giraffe, and reliable hunting ground for the wild dog packs that den in this system each year.
03

WILDLIFE

Linyanti

Elephants

The Linyanti dry season elephant concentration is among the most impressive in Africa, with thousands of animals converging on the river as inland water sources dry out between June and October.

Buffalo

Large buffalo herds move between the marshland and the mopane interior, and their predictable dry-season behaviour makes them a reliable draw for predator activity throughout the Linyanti.

Lion

Lion prides in Linyanti benefit from the high prey density around permanent water, and the open floodplain terrain makes for some of northern Botswana's most observable lion behaviour.

Spotted Hyena

Hyena clans are active throughout the Linyanti system and are regularly encountered following lion movements or hunting independently along the floodplain edge at night.

Sable Antelope

Sable are present in select areas of the Linyanti, typically found in open woodland away from the main river. They are far less common here than in some southern African regions.

Roan Antelope

Roan occur in limited numbers in areas of mixed savanna within the broader Linyanti ecosystem, making any sighting a notable one.
04

ACTIVITIES

Linyanti

05

WEATHER

Linyanti

The Linyanti Wildlife Management Area, located in northern Botswana along the Linyanti River, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into two primary periods
The wet season in the Linyanti Wildlife Management Area is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and significant rainfall, with the heaviest rains typically occurring between December and February. Daytime temperatures usually range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), with cooler nights. While the wet season can be a great time to see young animals and vibrant landscapes, it may not be ideal for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is dense and water is abundant, making it harder to spot animals near the river or waterholes. Some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and some lodges may close during the wettest months.
The dry season in the Linyanti Wildlife Management Area features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially from June to August. The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, such as the Linyanti River, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense during this period, improving visibility. However, the area can be more crowded with tourists during the peak season from July to October.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area is characterised by hot temperatures, warm days, and mild nights. It is a great time for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
18.9°C/ 66.0°F
Average Rainfall
110.1 mm/ 4.33 in
February in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are still abundant.
Average High Temperature
31.3°C/ 88.3°F
Average Low Temperature
18.7°C/ 65.7°F
Average Rainfall
96.3 mm/ 3.79 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. The landscape is green, attracting a variety of animals and bird species.
Average High Temperature
30.8°C/ 87.4°F
Average Low Temperature
18.3°C/ 64.9°F
Average Rainfall
70.5 mm/ 2.78 in
April marks the transition into the drier season. Temperatures start to decrease, and wildlife sightings become more concentrated around water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
16.7°C/ 62.1°F
Average Rainfall
32.1 mm/ 1.26 in
May brings cooler temperatures, especially during the nights. It is the start of the dry season, and wildlife can be easily spotted near remaining waterholes.
Average High Temperature
27.0°C/ 80.6°F
Average Low Temperature
13.2°C/ 55.8°F
Average Rainfall
8.2 mm/ 0.32 in
June marks the beginning of winter in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area. The days are pleasant, and nights can be chilly. Wildlife concentrations increase around water sources.
Average High Temperature
24.8°C/ 76.6°F
Average Low Temperature
9.6°C/ 49.3°F
Average Rainfall
1.0 mm/ 0.04 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the area’s diverse ecosystems.
Average High Temperature
24.8°C/ 76.6°F
Average Low Temperature
8.9°C/ 48.0°F
Average Rainfall
0.2 mm/ 0.01 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
28.3°C/ 82.9°F
Average Low Temperature
12.3°C/ 54.1°F
Average Rainfall
0.3 mm/ 0.01 in
September in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area marks the end of winter. Wildlife becomes more active, and temperatures start to rise, providing ideal conditions for safaris.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
16.8°C/ 62.2°F
Average Rainfall
2.6 mm/ 0.10 in
October is a transition month, with increasing temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it a prime time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
33.8°C/ 92.8°F
Average Low Temperature
19.6°C/ 67.3°F
Average Rainfall
32.2 mm/ 1.27 in
November brings warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. The landscape becomes greener, attracting a variety of wildlife species.
Average High Temperature
34.5°C/ 94.1°F
Average Low Temperature
19.8°C/ 67.6°F
Average Rainfall
74.8 mm/ 2.94 in
December in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area offers warm temperatures and occasional showers. It is an excellent time for birdwatching and exploring the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
33.7°C/ 92.7°F
Average Low Temperature
19.2°C/ 66.6°F
Average Rainfall
99.9 mm/ 3.93 in

01

overview

Linyanti

The Linyanti is one of northern Botswana’s great private safari regions: remote, exclusive and particularly strong for predator sightings and large elephant concentrations in the dry season. It lies west of Chobe and north of the Delta, centred on the Linyanti River, marshes and floodplains. Compared with the Delta, it often feels wilder, drier and more dramatic, with a strong sense of frontier wilderness and fewer camps.
Reasons to Visit
The Linyanti region sits in the far north of Botswana, accessible only by light aircraft, which keeps visitor numbers low by design and the atmosphere genuinely quiet. Sharing a waterhole with a pride of lions feels different when there is no one else watching.
The channels, papyrus beds and mopane woodlands of Linyanti create exceptional habitat for large predators. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are all regularly encountered here, often in remarkable proximity and without the vehicle congestion that can diminish sightings elsewhere.
Linyanti is managed as a series of private concessions with strict limits on visitor numbers, which means game drives operate with a freedom that national park rules rarely permit. Night drives, off-road tracking and walking safaris are conducted without constraint — which means following an animal where it leads, not where a road allows.
02

HABITATS

Linyanti

River Frontage
Seasonal Floodplains
Mopane Woodland
Open Grassland
Riverine Forest
Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
Dana Allen, Wilderness DumaTau
River Frontage
The Linyanti River forms a natural boundary and one of northern Botswana's finest wildlife corridors, its banks supporting hippo, crocodile and year-round elephant concentrations that rank among the largest in Africa.
Seasonal Floodplains
As waters rise and fall, these open, flooded areas become staging grounds for buffalo herds and their attendant predators, with wild dog, lion and leopard all present. Permanent pools held within the floodplain system, retaining water through the dry season and concentrating hippo, crocodile and waterbirds in habitat used year-round by the area's resident game.
Mopane Woodland
The dominant inland habitat, its canopy and distinctive butterfly-leaf providing browse for elephant and supporting a woodland birdlife, along with the shade and cover that make it productive territory for leopard.
Open Grassland
Transitional terrain between the wetlands and the denser woodland, where zebra, wildebeest and impala graze and cheetah have the space and sight lines they need to hunt.
Riverine Forest
Tall trees threading along drainage lines deep into the reserve, providing feeding corridors for elephant and giraffe, and reliable hunting ground for the wild dog packs that den in this system each year.
03

WILDLIFE

Linyanti

Elephants

The Linyanti dry season elephant concentration is among the most impressive in Africa, with thousands of animals converging on the river as inland water sources dry out between June and October.

Buffalo

Large buffalo herds move between the marshland and the mopane interior, and their predictable dry-season behaviour makes them a reliable draw for predator activity throughout the Linyanti.

Lion

Lion prides in Linyanti benefit from the high prey density around permanent water, and the open floodplain terrain makes for some of northern Botswana's most observable lion behaviour.

Spotted Hyena

Hyena clans are active throughout the Linyanti system and are regularly encountered following lion movements or hunting independently along the floodplain edge at night.

Sable Antelope

Sable are present in select areas of the Linyanti, typically found in open woodland away from the main river. They are far less common here than in some southern African regions.

Roan Antelope

Roan occur in limited numbers in areas of mixed savanna within the broader Linyanti ecosystem, making any sighting a notable one.
04

ACTIVITIES

Linyanti

05

WEATHER

Linyanti

The Linyanti Wildlife Management Area, located in northern Botswana along the Linyanti River, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into two primary periods
The wet season in the Linyanti Wildlife Management Area is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and significant rainfall, with the heaviest rains typically occurring between December and February. Daytime temperatures usually range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C), with cooler nights. While the wet season can be a great time to see young animals and vibrant landscapes, it may not be ideal for wildlife viewing as the vegetation is dense and water is abundant, making it harder to spot animals near the river or waterholes. Some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, and some lodges may close during the wettest months.
The dry season in the Linyanti Wildlife Management Area features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially from June to August. The dry season is considered the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, such as the Linyanti River, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense during this period, improving visibility. However, the area can be more crowded with tourists during the peak season from July to October.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area is characterised by hot temperatures, warm days, and mild nights. It is a great time for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
18.9°C/ 66.0°F
Average Rainfall
110.1 mm/ 4.33 in
February in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area offers similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are still abundant.
Average High Temperature
31.3°C/ 88.3°F
Average Low Temperature
18.7°C/ 65.7°F
Average Rainfall
96.3 mm/ 3.79 in
March brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. The landscape is green, attracting a variety of animals and bird species.
Average High Temperature
30.8°C/ 87.4°F
Average Low Temperature
18.3°C/ 64.9°F
Average Rainfall
70.5 mm/ 2.78 in
April marks the transition into the drier season. Temperatures start to decrease, and wildlife sightings become more concentrated around water sources.
Average High Temperature
29.3°C/ 84.7°F
Average Low Temperature
16.7°C/ 62.1°F
Average Rainfall
32.1 mm/ 1.26 in
May brings cooler temperatures, especially during the nights. It is the start of the dry season, and wildlife can be easily spotted near remaining waterholes.
Average High Temperature
27.0°C/ 80.6°F
Average Low Temperature
13.2°C/ 55.8°F
Average Rainfall
8.2 mm/ 0.32 in
June marks the beginning of winter in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area. The days are pleasant, and nights can be chilly. Wildlife concentrations increase around water sources.
Average High Temperature
24.8°C/ 76.6°F
Average Low Temperature
9.6°C/ 49.3°F
Average Rainfall
1.0 mm/ 0.04 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the area’s diverse ecosystems.
Average High Temperature
24.8°C/ 76.6°F
Average Low Temperature
8.9°C/ 48.0°F
Average Rainfall
0.2 mm/ 0.01 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
28.3°C/ 82.9°F
Average Low Temperature
12.3°C/ 54.1°F
Average Rainfall
0.3 mm/ 0.01 in
September in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area marks the end of winter. Wildlife becomes more active, and temperatures start to rise, providing ideal conditions for safaris.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
16.8°C/ 62.2°F
Average Rainfall
2.6 mm/ 0.10 in
October is a transition month, with increasing temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it a prime time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
33.8°C/ 92.8°F
Average Low Temperature
19.6°C/ 67.3°F
Average Rainfall
32.2 mm/ 1.27 in
November brings warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. The landscape becomes greener, attracting a variety of wildlife species.
Average High Temperature
34.5°C/ 94.1°F
Average Low Temperature
19.8°C/ 67.6°F
Average Rainfall
74.8 mm/ 2.94 in
December in Linyanti Wildlife Management Area offers warm temperatures and occasional showers. It is an excellent time for birdwatching and exploring the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
33.7°C/ 92.7°F
Average Low Temperature
19.2°C/ 66.6°F
Average Rainfall
99.9 mm/ 3.93 in

01

overview

Makgadikgadi National Park

The Makgadikgadi region is one of Botswana’s most atmospheric contrasts: less about classic Big Five safari and more about silence, scale and surprising seasonal drama. In the dry months the pans are vast, white and near-mirage-like; after the rains, parts of the basin green up and attract zebra, wildebeest and flamingos. It is a destination for travellers who want something different — a safari with mood, space and story.
Reasons to Visit
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remnants of a vast ancient lake, now one of the largest salt flats on earth, stretching across more than 12,000 square kilometres of northern Botswana. The scale of the landscape has a quality that is almost impossible to convey: perfectly flat, perfectly white, perfectly silent in the heat of the day.
Between December and March, the Makgadikgadi hosts one of Africa’s great and least-known migrations, as tens of thousands of zebra move across the pans in search of fresh growth following the rains. It is the second-largest zebra migration on the continent, and one that relatively few travellers have ever seen.
When the seasonal pans fill with shallow water after the rains, the Makgadikgadi becomes one of southern Africa’s most important breeding sites for lesser flamingos. At peak season, tens of thousands of birds gather on the pans, their pink reflected in the still water beneath an enormous open sky.
02

HABITATS

Makgadikgadi National Park

Salt pans
Seasonal Grasslands
Palm-fringed Islands
Temporary Wetlands
Acacia woodland in peripheral areas
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Salt pans
Some of the largest salt pans on earth, ancient lake beds now reduced to mineral flats that appear lifeless but carry a scale and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Africa.
Seasonal Grasslands
The first rains transform the pan edges into short-grass plains that trigger one of Botswana's least-publicised migrations, as zebra and wildebeest move in from the Boteti River in numbers that can rival the Serengeti in a good year.
Palm-fringed Islands
Ancient termite mounds elevated just enough above the surrounding pans to support palms and sparse scrub, gathering points for wildlife in the dry season and permanent home to meerkats and brown hyena in an otherwise inhospitable landscape.
Temporary Wetlands
When sufficient rain falls, sections of the pan floor hold shallow water that draws flamingo in large numbers, feeding on the algal blooms that briefly transform this mineral landscape into one of Africa's notable wildlife spectacles.
Acacia woodland in peripheral areas
Woodland fringing the park's outer edges provides habitat for giraffe, eland and a variety of birds, a counterpoint to the exposed drama of the pans.
03

WILDLIFE

Makgadikgadi National Park

Zebra

The Makgadikgadi zebra migration is one of Botswana's least-publicised wildlife events. After the first rains, large herds move from the Boteti River onto the pan grasslands in numbers that can reach tens of thousands.

Wildebeest

Wildebeest travel alongside zebra during the wet-season migration onto the Makgadikgadi grasslands, making this one of southern Africa's most underrated large mammal movements.

Brown Hyena

The Makgadikgadi is one of southern Africa's better regions for brown hyena, a solitary and nocturnal species that thrives in arid landscapes with little competition from spotted hyena.

Bat-eared Fox

Bat-eared fox are common residents of the pan edges and surrounding grassland, where they feed primarily on harvester termites. They are often seen in family groups at dawn and dusk.

Aardwolf

Aardwolf are present in the drier zones of the Makgadikgadi ecosystem, feeding almost exclusively on termites. Nocturnal and often overlooked, they are a rewarding find on night drives.

Meerkats

Habituated meerkat groups in areas adjacent to the park offer extraordinary close-up observation, particularly at sunrise when they emerge to warm themselves before the day's foraging begins.
04

ACTIVITIES

Makgadikgadi National Park

05

WEATHER

Makgadikgadi National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast salt pan complex located in northeastern Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate with two distinct seasons
During the wet season, or the “Green Season,” the Makgadikgadi Pans experience higher temperatures, increased humidity, and occasional rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can sometimes exceed 104°F (40°C). Rainfall transforms the dry pans into shallow lakes and lush grasslands, attracting an array of wildlife, particularly zebra and wildebeest during their annual migration. This season is also an ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory birds visit the area.
The dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans is characterised by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As the pans dry up, the landscape returns to its stark, arid state, and wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources. The dry season offers excellent visibility and more comfortable weather conditions for visitors.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Makgadikgadi National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. It is a great time for wildlife viewing and exploring the vast salt pans.
Average High Temperature
33.8°C/ 92.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
16.4 mm/ 0.65 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, including birdlife in the park.
Average High Temperature
33.0°C/ 91.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.4°C/ 70.5°F
Average Rainfall
11.3 mm/ 0.44 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It is a great time for game drives and birdwatching activities.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.6°C/ 69.1°F
Average Rainfall
10.1 mm/ 0.40 in
April brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and experiencing the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
30.3°C/ 86.5°F
Average Low Temperature
17.9°C/ 64.2°F
Average Rainfall
4.2 mm/ 0.17 in
May offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources in the park.
Average High Temperature
28.0°C/ 82.4°F
Average Low Temperature
13.7°C/ 56.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is a great time for exploring the park and wildlife sightings.
Average High Temperature
25.3°C/ 77.5°F
Average Low Temperature
8.7°C/ 47.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.3 mm/ 0.01 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and experiencing the expansive landscape.
Average High Temperature
25.6°C/ 78.1°F
Average Low Temperature
7.6°C/ 45.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.0 mm/ 0.00 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and it is an ideal time for exploring the unique salt pans.
Average High Temperature
28.3°C/ 82.9°F
Average Low Temperature
11.2°C/ 52.2°F
Average Rainfall
0.0 mm/ 0.00 in
September in Makgadikgadi National Park brings warmer temperatures and very little rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for safaris.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
17.5°C/ 63.5°F
Average Rainfall
0.1 mm/ 0.00 in
October offers hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for experiencing the unique landscapes of the park.
Average High Temperature
34.9°C/ 94.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.0°C/ 69.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.9 mm/ 0.07 in
November brings similar conditions to October, with slightly increased rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and exploration.
Average High Temperature
35.8°C/ 96.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
4.5 mm/ 0.18 in
December in Makgadikgadi National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
35.4°C/ 95.7°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
11.7 mm/ 0.46 in

01

overview

Makgadikgadi National Park

The Makgadikgadi region is one of Botswana’s most atmospheric contrasts: less about classic Big Five safari and more about silence, scale and surprising seasonal drama. In the dry months the pans are vast, white and near-mirage-like; after the rains, parts of the basin green up and attract zebra, wildebeest and flamingos. It is a destination for travellers who want something different — a safari with mood, space and story.
Reasons to Visit
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remnants of a vast ancient lake, now one of the largest salt flats on earth, stretching across more than 12,000 square kilometres of northern Botswana. The scale of the landscape has a quality that is almost impossible to convey: perfectly flat, perfectly white, perfectly silent in the heat of the day.
Between December and March, the Makgadikgadi hosts one of Africa’s great and least-known migrations, as tens of thousands of zebra move across the pans in search of fresh growth following the rains. It is the second-largest zebra migration on the continent, and one that relatively few travellers have ever seen.
When the seasonal pans fill with shallow water after the rains, the Makgadikgadi becomes one of southern Africa’s most important breeding sites for lesser flamingos. At peak season, tens of thousands of birds gather on the pans, their pink reflected in the still water beneath an enormous open sky.
02

HABITATS

Makgadikgadi National Park

Salt pans
Seasonal Grasslands
Palm-fringed Islands
Temporary Wetlands
Acacia woodland in peripheral areas
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Natural Selection
Salt pans
Some of the largest salt pans on earth, ancient lake beds now reduced to mineral flats that appear lifeless but carry a scale and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Africa.
Seasonal Grasslands
The first rains transform the pan edges into short-grass plains that trigger one of Botswana's least-publicised migrations, as zebra and wildebeest move in from the Boteti River in numbers that can rival the Serengeti in a good year.
Palm-fringed Islands
Ancient termite mounds elevated just enough above the surrounding pans to support palms and sparse scrub, gathering points for wildlife in the dry season and permanent home to meerkats and brown hyena in an otherwise inhospitable landscape.
Temporary Wetlands
When sufficient rain falls, sections of the pan floor hold shallow water that draws flamingo in large numbers, feeding on the algal blooms that briefly transform this mineral landscape into one of Africa's notable wildlife spectacles.
Acacia woodland in peripheral areas
Woodland fringing the park's outer edges provides habitat for giraffe, eland and a variety of birds, a counterpoint to the exposed drama of the pans.
03

WILDLIFE

Makgadikgadi National Park

Zebra

The Makgadikgadi zebra migration is one of Botswana's least-publicised wildlife events. After the first rains, large herds move from the Boteti River onto the pan grasslands in numbers that can reach tens of thousands.

Wildebeest

Wildebeest travel alongside zebra during the wet-season migration onto the Makgadikgadi grasslands, making this one of southern Africa's most underrated large mammal movements.

Brown Hyena

The Makgadikgadi is one of southern Africa's better regions for brown hyena, a solitary and nocturnal species that thrives in arid landscapes with little competition from spotted hyena.

Bat-eared Fox

Bat-eared fox are common residents of the pan edges and surrounding grassland, where they feed primarily on harvester termites. They are often seen in family groups at dawn and dusk.

Aardwolf

Aardwolf are present in the drier zones of the Makgadikgadi ecosystem, feeding almost exclusively on termites. Nocturnal and often overlooked, they are a rewarding find on night drives.

Meerkats

Habituated meerkat groups in areas adjacent to the park offer extraordinary close-up observation, particularly at sunrise when they emerge to warm themselves before the day's foraging begins.
04

ACTIVITIES

Makgadikgadi National Park

05

WEATHER

Makgadikgadi National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast salt pan complex located in northeastern Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate with two distinct seasons
During the wet season, or the “Green Season,” the Makgadikgadi Pans experience higher temperatures, increased humidity, and occasional rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can sometimes exceed 104°F (40°C). Rainfall transforms the dry pans into shallow lakes and lush grasslands, attracting an array of wildlife, particularly zebra and wildebeest during their annual migration. This season is also an ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory birds visit the area.
The dry season in the Makgadikgadi Pans is characterised by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As the pans dry up, the landscape returns to its stark, arid state, and wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources. The dry season offers excellent visibility and more comfortable weather conditions for visitors.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Makgadikgadi National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. It is a great time for wildlife viewing and exploring the vast salt pans.
Average High Temperature
33.8°C/ 92.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
16.4 mm/ 0.65 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, including birdlife in the park.
Average High Temperature
33.0°C/ 91.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.4°C/ 70.5°F
Average Rainfall
11.3 mm/ 0.44 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It is a great time for game drives and birdwatching activities.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
20.6°C/ 69.1°F
Average Rainfall
10.1 mm/ 0.40 in
April brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and experiencing the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
30.3°C/ 86.5°F
Average Low Temperature
17.9°C/ 64.2°F
Average Rainfall
4.2 mm/ 0.17 in
May offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources in the park.
Average High Temperature
28.0°C/ 82.4°F
Average Low Temperature
13.7°C/ 56.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is a great time for exploring the park and wildlife sightings.
Average High Temperature
25.3°C/ 77.5°F
Average Low Temperature
8.7°C/ 47.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.3 mm/ 0.01 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and experiencing the expansive landscape.
Average High Temperature
25.6°C/ 78.1°F
Average Low Temperature
7.6°C/ 45.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.0 mm/ 0.00 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and it is an ideal time for exploring the unique salt pans.
Average High Temperature
28.3°C/ 82.9°F
Average Low Temperature
11.2°C/ 52.2°F
Average Rainfall
0.0 mm/ 0.00 in
September in Makgadikgadi National Park brings warmer temperatures and very little rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for safaris.
Average High Temperature
32.0°C/ 89.6°F
Average Low Temperature
17.5°C/ 63.5°F
Average Rainfall
0.1 mm/ 0.00 in
October offers hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for experiencing the unique landscapes of the park.
Average High Temperature
34.9°C/ 94.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.0°C/ 69.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.9 mm/ 0.07 in
November brings similar conditions to October, with slightly increased rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and exploration.
Average High Temperature
35.8°C/ 96.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
4.5 mm/ 0.18 in
December in Makgadikgadi National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
35.4°C/ 95.7°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
11.7 mm/ 0.46 in

01

overview

Chobe

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s easiest big-name safari to access, yet it still delivers some of the country’s most memorable wildlife spectacles. The Chobe Riverfront, in particular, is famous for its elephant herds, boat-based game viewing and dramatic late-afternoon light. While it can be busier than Botswana’s private concessions, it remains an outstanding region for first-time safari-goers, families, and travellers combining Botswana with Victoria Falls.
Reasons to Visit
Chobe National Park is home to more elephants than anywhere else on earth, with an estimated 130,000 individuals moving through its riverine forests and floodplains. Watching herds of this size gather at the Chobe River at dusk, the water churning gold around hundreds of wading bodies, is a sight that no amount of prior safari experience quite prepares you for.
Few places in Africa offer such a complete safari experience as Chobe. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and giraffe share the same landscapes, and the park’s openness makes for consistently strong game viewing across every season. It rewards first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers in equal measure.
The Chobe River is one of southern Africa’s great safari waterways, and seeing it from a boat changes the experience entirely. Eye-level with drinking elephants, close enough to hear crocodiles slip beneath the surface, a river safari here offers a perspective on African wildlife that no game drive can replicate.
02

HABITATS

Chobe

Floodplains
Woodlands
Grasslands
Seasonal pans
Riverine forest along the Chobe River
AndBeyond
Floodplains
The Chobe riverfront hosts one of the largest elephant concentrations on the continent during the dry season, with thousands moving daily between the mopane woodland and the river's edge.
Woodlands
The Chobe forest area to the west supports tall teak trees rising above a sandveld understorey, habitat for roan, sable and some of Chobe's most rewarding birding, and among the least-visited terrain in the park.
Grasslands
Open ground between the pans and the surrounding woodland, providing grazing for plains game and the visibility that makes inland Chobe productive for predator viewing once the rains have moved animals away from the river.
Seasonal pans
Inland from the river, pans fill with the summer rains and draw zebra, wildebeest and elephant deep into the park's interior, triggering concentrations of predators far from the riverfront.
Riverine forest along the Chobe River
Dense forest pressing against the riverbank, a narrow but critical strip of habitat for bushbuck, vervet monkey and a variety of riparian bird species, including several that rarely venture far from the water's edge.
03

WILDLIFE

Chobe

Elephants

Chobe is home to one of the largest elephant populations on earth, with estimates exceeding 50,000 animals in the broader ecosystem. The dry-season riverfront concentrations are extraordinary.

Buffalo

Large breeding herds move between the mopane interior and the Chobe riverfront through the dry season, and their presence along the water's edge makes for outstanding boat-based viewing.

Hippo

The Chobe River supports a large hippo population, and boat safaris offer some of the most relaxed and close hippo viewing available anywhere in Botswana.

Nile Crocodile

Crocodile are abundant along the Chobe River, particularly around the hippo pools and quieter channel sections where they bask and ambush prey coming to drink.

Puku

Puku are found along the northern riverfront sections of Chobe and are less widespread in Botswana than further north. The Chobe riverfront is one of the more reliable places to find them.
04

ACTIVITIES

Chobe

05

WEATHER

Chobe

Chobe National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, experiences a subtropical climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into the following two primary seasons
Also known as the “Green Season,” the wet season in Chobe National Park is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C), occasionally reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher. The rains transform the landscape into a lush, green environment, which is ideal for birdwatching as migratory species visit the park. However, the abundance of water can make wildlife viewing more challenging during this period, as animals disperse across the park.
The dry season brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall in Chobe National Park. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, particularly during the coldest months of June and July. As water sources become scarce, large concentrations of wildlife, especially elephants, gather around the Chobe River, making this the best time for game viewing. The dry season is the most popular time to visit the park due to the increased wildlife visibility and more comfortable climate.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Chobe National Park is hot with occasional rainfall. Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it an excellent time for game viewing activities.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
105.1 mm/ 4.14 in
February brings similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, especially near the Chobe River.
Average High Temperature
31.5°C/ 88.7°F
Average Low Temperature
20.6°C/ 69.1°F
Average Rainfall
113.8 mm/ 4.48 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and warm temperatures. It is a transitional period, with lush vegetation and bird activity.
Average High Temperature
31.4°C/ 88.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.2°C/ 68.4°F
Average Rainfall
84.3 mm/ 3.32 in
April offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife activity is high in search of water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
30.5°C/ 86.9°F
Average Low Temperature
18.6°C/ 65.5°F
Average Rainfall
35.7 mm/ 1.41 in
April offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife activity is high in search of water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
30.5°C/ 86.9°F
Average Low Temperature
18.6°C/ 65.5°F
Average Rainfall
35.7 mm/ 1.41 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife concentrations increase near water sources, offering great sightings.
Average High Temperature
25.8°C/ 78.4°F
Average Low Temperature
11.5°C/ 52.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.1 mm/ 0.04 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the park.
Average High Temperature
25.6°C/ 78.1°F
Average Low Temperature
11.3°C/ 52.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.5 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
28.7°C/ 83.7°F
Average Low Temperature
14.3°C/ 57.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.4 mm/ 0.02 in
September in Chobe National Park marks the beginning of the hot and dry season. Wildlife concentrations are high, and game viewing is exceptional.
Average High Temperature
31.9°C/ 89.4°F
Average Low Temperature
18.7°C/ 65.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.4 mm/ 0.06 in
October brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is a prime time for game drives, as animals gather near waterholes in the park.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
11.3 mm/ 0.44 in
November offers similar conditions to October, with increasing chances of rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
34.8°C/ 94.6°F
Average Low Temperature
21.4°C/ 70.5°F
Average Rainfall
59.1 mm/ 2.33 in
December in Chobe National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
34.4°C/ 93.9°F
Average Low Temperature
21.3°C/ 70.3°F
Average Rainfall
91.1 mm/ 3.59 in

01

overview

Chobe

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s easiest big-name safari to access, yet it still delivers some of the country’s most memorable wildlife spectacles. The Chobe Riverfront, in particular, is famous for its elephant herds, boat-based game viewing and dramatic late-afternoon light. While it can be busier than Botswana’s private concessions, it remains an outstanding region for first-time safari-goers, families, and travellers combining Botswana with Victoria Falls.
Reasons to Visit
Chobe National Park is home to more elephants than anywhere else on earth, with an estimated 130,000 individuals moving through its riverine forests and floodplains. Watching herds of this size gather at the Chobe River at dusk, the water churning gold around hundreds of wading bodies, is a sight that no amount of prior safari experience quite prepares you for.
Few places in Africa offer such a complete safari experience as Chobe. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and giraffe share the same landscapes, and the park’s openness makes for consistently strong game viewing across every season. It rewards first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers in equal measure.
The Chobe River is one of southern Africa’s great safari waterways, and seeing it from a boat changes the experience entirely. Eye-level with drinking elephants, close enough to hear crocodiles slip beneath the surface, a river safari here offers a perspective on African wildlife that no game drive can replicate.
02

HABITATS

Chobe

Floodplains
Woodlands
Grasslands
Seasonal pans
Riverine forest along the Chobe River
AndBeyond
Floodplains
The Chobe riverfront hosts one of the largest elephant concentrations on the continent during the dry season, with thousands moving daily between the mopane woodland and the river's edge.
Woodlands
The Chobe forest area to the west supports tall teak trees rising above a sandveld understorey, habitat for roan, sable and some of Chobe's most rewarding birding, and among the least-visited terrain in the park.
Grasslands
Open ground between the pans and the surrounding woodland, providing grazing for plains game and the visibility that makes inland Chobe productive for predator viewing once the rains have moved animals away from the river.
Seasonal pans
Inland from the river, pans fill with the summer rains and draw zebra, wildebeest and elephant deep into the park's interior, triggering concentrations of predators far from the riverfront.
Riverine forest along the Chobe River
Dense forest pressing against the riverbank, a narrow but critical strip of habitat for bushbuck, vervet monkey and a variety of riparian bird species, including several that rarely venture far from the water's edge.
03

WILDLIFE

Chobe

Elephants

Chobe is home to one of the largest elephant populations on earth, with estimates exceeding 50,000 animals in the broader ecosystem. The dry-season riverfront concentrations are extraordinary.

Buffalo

Large breeding herds move between the mopane interior and the Chobe riverfront through the dry season, and their presence along the water's edge makes for outstanding boat-based viewing.

Hippo

The Chobe River supports a large hippo population, and boat safaris offer some of the most relaxed and close hippo viewing available anywhere in Botswana.

Nile Crocodile

Crocodile are abundant along the Chobe River, particularly around the hippo pools and quieter channel sections where they bask and ambush prey coming to drink.

Puku

Puku are found along the northern riverfront sections of Chobe and are less widespread in Botswana than further north. The Chobe riverfront is one of the more reliable places to find them.
04

ACTIVITIES

Chobe

05

WEATHER

Chobe

Chobe National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, experiences a subtropical climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into the following two primary seasons
Also known as the “Green Season,” the wet season in Chobe National Park is marked by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and frequent rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C), occasionally reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher. The rains transform the landscape into a lush, green environment, which is ideal for birdwatching as migratory species visit the park. However, the abundance of water can make wildlife viewing more challenging during this period, as animals disperse across the park.
The dry season brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall in Chobe National Park. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, particularly during the coldest months of June and July. As water sources become scarce, large concentrations of wildlife, especially elephants, gather around the Chobe River, making this the best time for game viewing. The dry season is the most popular time to visit the park due to the increased wildlife visibility and more comfortable climate.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Chobe National Park is hot with occasional rainfall. Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it an excellent time for game viewing activities.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
105.1 mm/ 4.14 in
February brings similar conditions to January, with high temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, especially near the Chobe River.
Average High Temperature
31.5°C/ 88.7°F
Average Low Temperature
20.6°C/ 69.1°F
Average Rainfall
113.8 mm/ 4.48 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and warm temperatures. It is a transitional period, with lush vegetation and bird activity.
Average High Temperature
31.4°C/ 88.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.2°C/ 68.4°F
Average Rainfall
84.3 mm/ 3.32 in
April offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife activity is high in search of water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
30.5°C/ 86.9°F
Average Low Temperature
18.6°C/ 65.5°F
Average Rainfall
35.7 mm/ 1.41 in
April offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. It is a great time for game drives, as wildlife activity is high in search of water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
30.5°C/ 86.9°F
Average Low Temperature
18.6°C/ 65.5°F
Average Rainfall
35.7 mm/ 1.41 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. Wildlife concentrations increase near water sources, offering great sightings.
Average High Temperature
25.8°C/ 78.4°F
Average Low Temperature
11.5°C/ 52.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.1 mm/ 0.04 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and exploring the park.
Average High Temperature
25.6°C/ 78.1°F
Average Low Temperature
11.3°C/ 52.3°F
Average Rainfall
0.5 mm/ 0.02 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and birdwatching opportunities are excellent.
Average High Temperature
28.7°C/ 83.7°F
Average Low Temperature
14.3°C/ 57.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.4 mm/ 0.02 in
September in Chobe National Park marks the beginning of the hot and dry season. Wildlife concentrations are high, and game viewing is exceptional.
Average High Temperature
31.9°C/ 89.4°F
Average Low Temperature
18.7°C/ 65.7°F
Average Rainfall
1.4 mm/ 0.06 in
October brings hot temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. It is a prime time for game drives, as animals gather near waterholes in the park.
Average High Temperature
34.7°C/ 94.5°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
11.3 mm/ 0.44 in
November offers similar conditions to October, with increasing chances of rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and birdlife is abundant.
Average High Temperature
34.8°C/ 94.6°F
Average Low Temperature
21.4°C/ 70.5°F
Average Rainfall
59.1 mm/ 2.33 in
December in Chobe National Park brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
34.4°C/ 93.9°F
Average Low Temperature
21.3°C/ 70.3°F
Average Rainfall
91.1 mm/ 3.59 in

01

overview

Central Kalahari Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana at its most elemental: immense, open and deeply quiet. This is not a safari of constant vehicle traffic or riverfront drama, but of subtle movement, long light, distant horizons and animals perfectly adapted to arid conditions. In good seasons the grasslands can be beautiful and surprisingly productive; in the drier months the reserve becomes stark, sculptural and unforgettable.
Reasons to Visit
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the few places in Africa where you can still find the iconic black-maned Kalahari lion, a distinct subspecies shaped by the demands of desert life. The sparseness of the landscape makes sightings feel earned in the best possible way — a lion moving through silver grass in the early morning light, with nothing else in any direction.
Far from any artificial light source, the Central Kalahari offers some of the darkest skies in the southern hemisphere. On a clear night the Milky Way stretches overhead with a clarity that takes most people by surprise, a reminder of how much is obscured from us the rest of the year.
At 52,000 square kilometres, the Central Kalahari is one of the largest game reserves in the world and one of the least visited. Days can pass without encountering another vehicle or another camp. That absence of human presence is not incidental — it is precisely what this place offers.
02

HABITATS

Central Kalahari Reserve

Open Grasslands
Seasonal Pans
Acacia Scrub
Fossil river valleys
Salt pans
Open Grasslands
After good rains, the Central Kalahari's open grasslands support large herds of springbok, gemsbok and wildebeest, drawing predators into terrain that feels genuinely remote.
Seasonal Pans
Seasonal pans scattered through the reserve fill briefly after summer rain, concentrating wildlife in open terrain and providing some of the reserve's most productive game viewing.
Acacia Scrub
Camel thorn and grey camel thorn dotting the sandveld, their seed pods critical to the springbok, gemsbok and ground-foraging birds that persist here through the dry months between rains.
Fossil river valleys
Ancient drainage lines cut through the sandveld, their slightly richer soils supporting denser vegetation that acts as a wildlife corridor through the reserve, the routes along which lion, cheetah and wild dog range across this landscape.
Salt pans
Seasonal pans scattered through the reserve fill briefly after summer rain, concentrating wildlife in open terrain and providing some of the reserve's most productive game viewing.
03

WILDLIFE

Central Kalahari Reserve

Black-maned Kalahari lions

The Central Kalahari's lion prides are among the most studied desert-adapted lions in Africa. The males are notable for their dark, full manes, a characteristic associated with the cooler temperatures of this elevated sandveld.

Cheetah

Cheetah are well suited to the open terrain of the Central Kalahari and are regularly encountered along fossil valleys and pan edges where prey is accessible and sight lines are long.

Brown Hyena

The reserve supports a significant brown hyena population, and the species is more easily observed here than in most parts of its range, particularly on night drives during the dry season.

Oryx

Gemsbok are among the most iconic mammals of the Central Kalahari, perfectly adapted to the extreme aridity and capable of allowing their body temperature to rise significantly to avoid sweating.

Red Hartebeest

Red hartebeest are a regular feature of the Central Kalahari's open areas, recognisable by their distinctive elongated face and reddish-brown coat, and often seen alongside springbok and gemsbok.

Bat-eared fox

Small insectivore-focused canids that are active at dawn and dusk across the Kalahari grasslands, feeding primarily on termites and beetle larvae in the sandy soils.
04

ACTIVITIES

Central Kalahari Reserve

05

WEATHER

Central Kalahari Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), located in the heart of Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by significant temperature fluctuations and two distinct seasons
Known as the “Green Season,” the wet season in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve brings higher temperatures, increased humidity, and occasional rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can sometimes exceed 104°F (40°C). The rains transform the arid landscape into a more lush and green environment. During this period, wildlife becomes more dispersed as water sources become abundant. The wet season is an ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory birds visit the reserve.
The dry season in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is characterised by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As water sources dry up, wildlife tends to congregate around the remaining waterholes, making this the prime season for game viewing. The dry season also offers excellent visibility and more comfortable weather conditions for visitors.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Central Kalahari Reserve brings hot temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for game drives.
Average High Temperature
34.2°C/ 93.6°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
54.9 mm/ 2.16 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, including birdlife in the reserve.
Average High Temperature
33.3°C/ 91.9°F
Average Low Temperature
21.5°C/ 70.7°F
Average Rainfall
48.5 mm/ 1.91 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It is a great time for game drives and birdwatching activities.
Average High Temperature
32.4°C/ 90.3°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
36.9 mm/ 1.45 in
April brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and experiencing the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
29.7°C/ 85.5°F
Average Low Temperature
16.7°C/ 62.1°F
Average Rainfall
13.6 mm/ 0.54 in
May offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources in the reserve.
Average High Temperature
26.3°C/ 79.3°F
Average Low Temperature
11.0°C/ 51.8°F
Average Rainfall
4.9 mm/ 0.19 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is a great time for exploring the reserve and wildlife sightings.
Average High Temperature
23.9°C/ 75.0°F
Average Low Temperature
5.8°C/ 42.4°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and experiencing the expansive landscape.
Average High Temperature
24.6°C/ 76.3°F
Average Low Temperature
6.5°C/ 43.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.7 mm/ 0.03 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and it is an ideal time for exploring the unique landscapes.
Average High Temperature
27.8°C/ 82.0°F
Average Low Temperature
9.9°C/ 49.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.0 mm/ 0.04 in
September in Central Kalahari Reserve brings warmer temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for safaris.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
15.2°C/ 59.4°F
Average Rainfall
3.7 mm/ 0.15 in
October offers hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for experiencing the unique landscapes of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
34.9°C/ 94.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.0°C/ 69.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.9 mm/ 0.07 in
November brings similar conditions to October, with slightly increased rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and exploration.
Average High Temperature
35.8°C/ 96.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
4.5 mm/ 0.18 in
December in Central Kalahari Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
35.4°C/ 95.7°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
11.7 mm/ 0.46 in

01

overview

Central Kalahari Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana at its most elemental: immense, open and deeply quiet. This is not a safari of constant vehicle traffic or riverfront drama, but of subtle movement, long light, distant horizons and animals perfectly adapted to arid conditions. In good seasons the grasslands can be beautiful and surprisingly productive; in the drier months the reserve becomes stark, sculptural and unforgettable.
Reasons to Visit
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the few places in Africa where you can still find the iconic black-maned Kalahari lion, a distinct subspecies shaped by the demands of desert life. The sparseness of the landscape makes sightings feel earned in the best possible way — a lion moving through silver grass in the early morning light, with nothing else in any direction.
Far from any artificial light source, the Central Kalahari offers some of the darkest skies in the southern hemisphere. On a clear night the Milky Way stretches overhead with a clarity that takes most people by surprise, a reminder of how much is obscured from us the rest of the year.
At 52,000 square kilometres, the Central Kalahari is one of the largest game reserves in the world and one of the least visited. Days can pass without encountering another vehicle or another camp. That absence of human presence is not incidental — it is precisely what this place offers.
02

HABITATS

Central Kalahari Reserve

Open Grasslands
Seasonal Pans
Acacia Scrub
Fossil river valleys
Salt pans
Open Grasslands
After good rains, the Central Kalahari's open grasslands support large herds of springbok, gemsbok and wildebeest, drawing predators into terrain that feels genuinely remote.
Seasonal Pans
Seasonal pans scattered through the reserve fill briefly after summer rain, concentrating wildlife in open terrain and providing some of the reserve's most productive game viewing.
Acacia Scrub
Camel thorn and grey camel thorn dotting the sandveld, their seed pods critical to the springbok, gemsbok and ground-foraging birds that persist here through the dry months between rains.
Fossil river valleys
Ancient drainage lines cut through the sandveld, their slightly richer soils supporting denser vegetation that acts as a wildlife corridor through the reserve, the routes along which lion, cheetah and wild dog range across this landscape.
Salt pans
Seasonal pans scattered through the reserve fill briefly after summer rain, concentrating wildlife in open terrain and providing some of the reserve's most productive game viewing.
03

WILDLIFE

Central Kalahari Reserve

Black-maned Kalahari lions

The Central Kalahari's lion prides are among the most studied desert-adapted lions in Africa. The males are notable for their dark, full manes, a characteristic associated with the cooler temperatures of this elevated sandveld.

Cheetah

Cheetah are well suited to the open terrain of the Central Kalahari and are regularly encountered along fossil valleys and pan edges where prey is accessible and sight lines are long.

Brown Hyena

The reserve supports a significant brown hyena population, and the species is more easily observed here than in most parts of its range, particularly on night drives during the dry season.

Oryx

Gemsbok are among the most iconic mammals of the Central Kalahari, perfectly adapted to the extreme aridity and capable of allowing their body temperature to rise significantly to avoid sweating.

Red Hartebeest

Red hartebeest are a regular feature of the Central Kalahari's open areas, recognisable by their distinctive elongated face and reddish-brown coat, and often seen alongside springbok and gemsbok.

Bat-eared fox

Small insectivore-focused canids that are active at dawn and dusk across the Kalahari grasslands, feeding primarily on termites and beetle larvae in the sandy soils.
04

ACTIVITIES

Central Kalahari Reserve

05

WEATHER

Central Kalahari Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), located in the heart of Botswana, experiences a semi-arid climate characterised by significant temperature fluctuations and two distinct seasons
Known as the “Green Season,” the wet season in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve brings higher temperatures, increased humidity, and occasional rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from 86°F to 95°F (30°C to 35°C) but can sometimes exceed 104°F (40°C). The rains transform the arid landscape into a more lush and green environment. During this period, wildlife becomes more dispersed as water sources become abundant. The wet season is an ideal time for birdwatching, as migratory birds visit the reserve.
The dry season in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is characterised by cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 41°F (5°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As water sources dry up, wildlife tends to congregate around the remaining waterholes, making this the prime season for game viewing. The dry season also offers excellent visibility and more comfortable weather conditions for visitors.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Central Kalahari Reserve brings hot temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for game drives.
Average High Temperature
34.2°C/ 93.6°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
54.9 mm/ 2.16 in
February offers similar conditions to January, with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. Wildlife sightings are abundant, including birdlife in the reserve.
Average High Temperature
33.3°C/ 91.9°F
Average Low Temperature
21.5°C/ 70.7°F
Average Rainfall
48.5 mm/ 1.91 in
March marks the end of the rainy season, with decreasing rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It is a great time for game drives and birdwatching activities.
Average High Temperature
32.4°C/ 90.3°F
Average Low Temperature
20.7°C/ 69.3°F
Average Rainfall
36.9 mm/ 1.45 in
April brings cooler temperatures and lower chances of rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and experiencing the wilderness.
Average High Temperature
29.7°C/ 85.5°F
Average Low Temperature
16.7°C/ 62.1°F
Average Rainfall
13.6 mm/ 0.54 in
May offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources in the reserve.
Average High Temperature
26.3°C/ 79.3°F
Average Low Temperature
11.0°C/ 51.8°F
Average Rainfall
4.9 mm/ 0.19 in
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with cool temperatures and virtually no rainfall. It is a great time for exploring the reserve and wildlife sightings.
Average High Temperature
23.9°C/ 75.0°F
Average Low Temperature
5.8°C/ 42.4°F
Average Rainfall
1.5 mm/ 0.06 in
July brings similar conditions to June, with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall. It is an excellent time for game drives and experiencing the expansive landscape.
Average High Temperature
24.6°C/ 76.3°F
Average Low Temperature
6.5°C/ 43.7°F
Average Rainfall
0.7 mm/ 0.03 in
August offers pleasant temperatures during the day and cool nights. Wildlife sightings are abundant, and it is an ideal time for exploring the unique landscapes.
Average High Temperature
27.8°C/ 82.0°F
Average Low Temperature
9.9°C/ 49.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.0 mm/ 0.04 in
September in Central Kalahari Reserve brings warmer temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for safaris.
Average High Temperature
31.8°C/ 89.2°F
Average Low Temperature
15.2°C/ 59.4°F
Average Rainfall
3.7 mm/ 0.15 in
October offers hot temperatures and occasional rainfall. Wildlife sightings are excellent, and it is a great time for experiencing the unique landscapes of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
34.9°C/ 94.8°F
Average Low Temperature
21.0°C/ 69.8°F
Average Rainfall
1.9 mm/ 0.07 in
November brings similar conditions to October, with slightly increased rainfall. Wildlife activity is high, and it is an ideal time for game drives and exploration.
Average High Temperature
35.8°C/ 96.4°F
Average Low Temperature
21.7°C/ 71.1°F
Average Rainfall
4.5 mm/ 0.18 in
December in Central Kalahari Reserve brings hot temperatures and occasional showers. Wildlife concentrations are high, making it an ideal time for game viewing.
Average High Temperature
35.4°C/ 95.7°F
Average Low Temperature
21.9°C/ 71.4°F
Average Rainfall
11.7 mm/ 0.46 in

KEY FACTS FOR Botswana

Diamonds helped transform Botswana’s economy. What makes the story notable is not only the resource itself, but the relative political stability and long-term investment that followed.

The Makgadikgadi Pans are remnants of an ancient super-lake. In the dry season they feel lunar and limitless; after rain they attract migratory wildlife and flamingos.

Population Size

Approx. 2.5 million

Geographic Size

Approx. 581,730 sq km

Capital

Gaborone

Currency

Botswana Pula (BWP)

Offical Language

English

Best time to visit

April to October for classic safari conditions; November to March for green season beauty, birding and newborn wildlife

01

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta.

The river travels around 1,200 kilometres from the Angolan highlands and never reaches the sea, spilling instead across the Kalahari sands in a fan of channels, lagoons and floodplains that shifts shape with the annual flood pulse.

Botswana, Okavango Delta, Escape Safari Co
Botswana, Leopard, Escape Safari Co

02

Around 38% of Botswana is protected land

National parks, reserves and wildlife management areas together give the country one of the highest proportions of protected land anywhere in Africa. A long-held policy of low-volume tourism has kept these landscapes unusually quiet.

Botswana, Escape Safari Co.
Botswana, Mokoro on Okavango Delta, Escape Safari Co

03

The Kalahari covers around 70% of Botswana

It’s not a true desert but a vast semi-arid landscape of red sand, sparse grass and ancient riverbeds, supporting a community of desert-adapted wildlife including black-maned lion, brown hyena and the meerkat colonies.

Botswana, Kalahari Pans, Escape Safari Co
Botswana, Khoi San, Escape Safari Co

04

The San have lived in southern Africa for at least 100,000 years

Genetic studies place their lineage among the oldest continuous human cultures on earth. Their knowledge of the Kalahari, its plants, water sources and animal behaviour, remains the deepest record of how to live in this landscape.

Before you go

Botswana FAQ's

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

For many passports, Botswana is straightforward and often visa-free for short tourism stays, but some nationalities do need a visa or should use the official eVisa route before travel. For a high-end safari, it is sensible to have this checked and, where needed, secured before departure rather than hoping to solve it on arrival. Your passport should usually have at least six months’ validity and supporting documents such as onward flights and accommodation details should be easy to produce.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Botswana?

Botswana does ask for yellow fever proof if you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a yellow-fever-risk country. It is your route, not just your nationality, that matters here, so a previous East, Central or West African stop can trigger the requirement. If that applies to your journey, carry the physical certificate with your passport rather than relying on a digital copy.

How much passport validity do I need for Botswana?

For a multi-country southern Africa safari, travel with at least six months’ passport validity beyond the end of the trip and more blank pages than the bare minimum. In practice, three to four blank pages is the comfortable approach for guests moving between Botswana, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe. Regional border officials and airlines can be stricter than travelers expect, so this is not an area to cut fine.

Is Botswana malaria-free?

For the Delta, Linyanti and Chobe side of Botswana, malaria planning is usually part of the conversation, especially in the greener and hotter months. It is much less of a concern in the Kalahari and in urban gateways, so the exact answer depends on which regions you are combining. A travel-medicine consultation is still the right final step, but most northern Botswana itineraries are planned on the basis that prophylaxis may be advisable.

What travel insurance do I need for Botswana?

Once you are in the Delta or Linyanti, you are in genuine bush country rather than close to full-service hospitals. Good camps carry first-aid capability and evacuation procedures, but anything more serious usually means transfer to Maun, Kasane, Gaborone or onward to South Africa. For that reason, comprehensive medical insurance with emergency air evacuation is not a luxury add-on here; it is part of sensible trip design.

Are luggage limits strict in Botswana?

Yes – baggage limits on Delta and Linyanti light-aircraft sectors are usually real, and soft-sided bags are the norm rather than a suggestion. A practical rule is to pack in a squashable duffel and assume the total allowance may be in the 12 to 15 kg range including hand luggage, although the exact limit depends on the aircraft and routing. If you are carrying heavy camera equipment, it is wise to plan that conversation before ticketing rather than at check-in.

How many camps should I combine in a single Botswana itinerary?

For most travelers, two or three safari regions is the sweet spot. Over seven to ten nights, a Delta camp plus one contrasting land-based area such as Linyanti or Chobe usually feels elegant; beyond that, the trip can become too aviation-led unless you have a longer stay. Botswana rewards depth and contrast more than constant movement.

Is it better to enter Botswana via Maun or Kasane?

Maun is usually the cleaner gateway for a Delta-led itinerary, while Kasane makes more sense if Chobe or Victoria Falls is part of the journey. If your trip includes both the Delta and the northern river systems, the neatest answer is often an open-jaw itinerary using both airports rather than backtracking. That tends to save time and preserve the rhythm of the safari.

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

As a broad guide, the flood season and early high-water months are strongest for classic water-based Delta experiences, while the later dry months are strongest for concentrated land-based game viewing. Shoulder months can be particularly rewarding because they give you a blend of boating, mokoro and good predator action without locking you into only one style. The best answer depends on whether your priority is atmosphere, photography, boating or density of wildlife sightings.

Where should I go for my first trip to Botswana?

For a first Botswana safari, a two-region combination is usually better than trying to ‘do everything’ or staying in only one ecosystem. The most elegant first journey is often a Delta camp paired with Linyanti or Chobe, because you feel both the water world and a more classic big-game concentration area. The Kalahari is wonderful, but it usually makes most sense as a longer second trip or as a deliberate contrast on a bigger itinerary.

Which are the best camps in Botswana?

The right camp type depends less on a star rating and more on what matters to the guest. Small concession camps and exclusive-use villas are best for privacy; camps with family suites, flexible meal timings and child-friendly guiding are best for families; and photographers should prioritize specialist guiding, open vehicle flexibility, good light angles and, where relevant, hides or helicopter options. In Botswana, camp character and location often matters more than brand recognition.

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