detailed month to month safari expectations
January
The wet month, the favorite month to the rain lovers as it will be over pouring in Botswana. A lot of travel experts will tell you that January is not the best time to visit but birdies will differ as different species of birds will catch one’s eye quenching that thirst for beauty. Additionally, prices will be a lot lower than in the peak season.
February
The rains will continue pouring through the month February. The heavy rains will turn the landscape into lush, and it will be a green paradise, giving out beautiful landscape photography. The central Kalahari Game Reserve will be at its breathtaking state, all lush and green, boasting with newborn antelopes. You will even witness newborns taking their first steps, blooming to adapt and make it in the unpredictable wild. Additionally, the Nxai Pans will attract large number of springboks, Zebras and lions. February also does not leave a bird lover out, as flamingos will be seen descending on the pans.
March
The temperatures will start to drop and the rains will steady up. This is an ideal month for scenic and landscape photography because of the vibrant green terrain from the out pouring summer rains. Zebras will be seen in the Kalahari, together with elephants. However, the Okavango at this time will experience low water levels hindering the Mokoro trips in some parts of the Delta. The Nxai Pan National Park will also be a breathtaking sight as migrating grazers will be there, in need of the lush grassland and abundant surface water.
April
By April the heavy outpours have stopped across Botswana, leaving the landscapes mesmerizing. Morning and evening will be warm with enticing weather ideal for game viewing opportunities up to October. By middle April the volume of water at the Okavango Delta will rise. Since the climate is now warming up, the minor water holes will dry up forcing the awaited wildlife to make it to the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. When present on this time of the year, you are likely to see all the wild animals on your pray to see list.
May
In May expect no rains at all, it is a dry season. Water holes will be dry, forcing all those wild animals you wish to see stride towards the permanent water sources. This is the perfect period for a successful game viewing and the campsites and safari parks will not be too busy. The Okavango Delta and Chobe river will be the spot to be at. Savuti Regions will also be good tourism spot as Buffaloes and Zebras will be at a vicinity. Makgadikgadi Pans will also be an ideal place to visit for quad bikes excursions.
June
the temperatures around June will start to drop, sometimes going below zero. Late June marks the beginning of a peak season and the water levels of the Okavango river will be high, enabling Mokoro and water based drives. The dry season means the vegetation across the country will have shrinked, battling with extreme temperatures and lack of rains, giving room to game viewing prospects. Striving to survive in the dreadful thirst, wildlife will make way to the Chobe River, Okavango Delta and Savuti water channels. It is advisable to book your spot earlier if you are planning your safari adventure on this month further to October because almost every tourist is advised that these are good months for game. Do not forget to bring along warm clothes and fleece to wrap around when enjoying you stargazing experience in the evening outside your camp.
July
The beginning of the peak season! The Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve will be highly populated with wild animals. Even though it is a dry season, waters from the nearby country, Angola will flood through the Okavango Delta increasing the water levels. Mokoro cruises will also be an ideal spot not forgetting mesmerizing photography.
August
Water levels around this month will be at their highest peak, reaching even the South of Maun, making game viewing a wonder. To even tingle your sight with wonder you will witness catfish run in the north west panhandle. A birdie will also be delighted to spot many Bee eaters among other birds.
September
The scandalous month for wildlife begins as now water and food become scarce. More than ever you will spot lions, cheetahs stalking springboks and red hartebeest along the water sources. The thinning of vegetation due to limited ability to obtain underground water, makes for greater wildlife viewing. Afternoons will be the best times for spotting the strength-fight-battle for survival.
October
Temperatures are now higher; it is a hot season. Elephants will be seen in herds lazing around or striding towards the water sources to quench their mountainous thirst. The Chobe River is the most famous place to visit around this time. Birders will be delighted to spot different birds to be captured by their cameras.
November
This month usher us to the spring season. It is a hot season where the rain clouds gather, opening up for the rainy season. A bird lover will be delighted to witness the returning migrant birds at one’s camera vicinity. Even though it is a hot month it is ideal for game viewing as wild animals will be around the waterholes quenching their thirst. The arrival of rains will give birth to amazing sights such as new born animals together with predators looming around the multiplied families.
December
This is a month with eventful events to witness. New born calves will be at one’s vicinity, more animals drawn to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan and the Savuti region. Flowers will be blooming attracting botanists and bird lovers to feast their eyes and make use of their cameras. Makgadikgadi and Boteti River will be great places to witness the beautiful zebras.