We often get asked when is a good time to travel to Botswana. 

The good news is that you can travel to Botswana year round. As a general rule, if the camp or lodge remains open, there is good game to see and great experiences to be had.

Botswana is probably most famous for its Okavango Delta. The Delta is in flood from May to October. 'Floods' on this occasion do not mean that it's raining in the Delta, but that it rained six months earlier in Angola and the flood waters have now reached Botswana. At this time there is a lot of water, and the Delta is very pretty, looking like it does in the postcards and on Planet Earth.

However, travel outside of this peak period, and you have a real treat in store.  Here are some of the reasons why.

• Considerably lower rates! But don't associate lower rates with poor game viewing, we have seen exceptional game outside of the peak months.
• It can rain in the green, summer months (December-March), but not rain like we know it in the UK. Expect humid days that build up with a short sharp thunderstorm in the afternoon. Warm, welcoming, sweet smelling, this is life-giving African rain, we suggest you dance in it! 
• The birding is fantastic. Cold, wet, European winters mean that the migrant birds have travelled south and are in abundance, while the resident birds are sporting their breeding plumage.
• Babies, babies and more babies. Many species give birth once the rains arrive and there is an explosion of young wildlife.
• Don’t be squeamish. Young wildlife means that predator sightings are frequent. Lots of opportunities to see lions and leopards hunting.
• Receding flood lines means that there are good opportunities to explore the islands in the Delta on foot or by vehicle.
• Like your holidays hot?  Botswana definitely delivers in their summer months. Warm mornings and evenings mean you don’t have to go out on safari bundled up in hats and scarfs. If you want to go back looking tanned and relaxed, during the day there's time to unwind in the camp, some even have plunge pools to cool off in.

Green/Low Season usually runs from about November to March. Expect afternoon rain, hot temperatures, good game viewing, amazing birds, lower rates.

Mid Season is usually April and May. It's Autumn on safari, the nights are getting cooler, the land is drying up, rain or floods are needed and much discussed.

Peak Season usually runs from June to October, the nights are cold, the days are hot, expect beautiful, clear night skies and blue skies during the day. 

Itinerary Ideas 

Click on the links to see a selection of our favourite tours in Botswana: andBeyond, Belmond Safaris, Wilderness Classic, Wilderness Premier, Great Plains Conservation. 

Speak to us about the best way to plan your Botswana itinerary.