When is the best time to visit Botswana? This is a very legitimate question that everyone asks when planning their trip. While there are undoubtedly some periods that are preferable, there is no definitive answer. Because, yes, it is possible to travel to Botswana all year round, and even more broadly to southern Africa. However, the weather conditions, landscapes, wildlife viewing and photography opportunities will not always be the same throughout the seasons and sometimes vary from year to year.

To help you see more clearly, we have designed this calendar comparing a few criteria to take into consideration. It will help you choose not the best time to visit Botswana and the region, but rather your best time.

When to go on a self-drive safari in Botswana?

When to go on a self-drive safari is a graphic created by Tawana Self Drive ©

What is the best season to go in Botswana?

  • During the wet season, rainfall is heaviest from January to March.
  • Temperatures can be very cold at night in June and July.
  • In contrast, October is the hottest month of the year. Temperatures can exceed 40°C for several days.
  • Malaria is present in the north of the country from November to June.
  • The peak tourist season is in July and August, but the high season extends until the end of October. The Christmas period and the month of May are also generally very popular.
  • Certain specific locations in Botswana and its neighbouring countries experience specific seasonal cycles, such as flooding in the Okavango Delta or the flow of Victoria Falls. In Chobe National Park, the river floods annually in April-May. The seasonal tracks along the river are then inaccessible.
  • There are no absolute rules regarding the presence and movements of animals. However, we are familiar with the trends and can guide you if you are looking to observe a particular species.

How to prepare for your self-drive safari?

Follow our tips and guides to define the scope of your project. Then we’ll make the magic happen!

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