Best Time to Visit Botswana in 2025: A Month-by-Month Safari Guide

Discover the best time to visit Botswana in 2025 with our comprehensive seasonal guide. Learn about dry and wet seasons, wildlife viewing opportunities, and insider tips to make your safari adventure unforgettable.

My Love Affair with Botswana’s Seasons

The first time I set foot in Botswana, back in 2011, I made a classic rookie mistake. I arrived in January, right in the middle of the rainy season, thinking I’d scored a great deal on accommodation. My safari vehicle got stuck in mud for six hours, and the mosquitoes treated me like an all-you-can-eat buffet! Yet, even through that soggy initiation, I fell deeply in love with this remarkable country. After twelve visits spread across every month of the calendar, I’ve experienced Botswana in all its seasonal moods – from the parched drama of the dry season to the lush abundance of the green season.

I’ve come to understand that there is no single “best” time to visit Botswana – each season offers a completely different experience, with its own magic and challenges. Through this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect throughout the year, helping you choose the perfect time for your Botswana adventure in 2025.

Understanding Botswana’s Seasons

Botswana’s climate doesn’t follow the traditional four seasons you might be used to. Instead, the country experiences primarily two seasons: the dry season and the wet (or “green”) season. Let me break down what each means for your travel plans:

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry winter months are traditionally considered the peak safari season in Botswana, and for good reason:

  • Wildlife viewing: Animals congregate around permanent water sources, making them easier to spot
  • Weather: Virtually no rainfall, clear skies, and lower humidity
  • Temperatures: Cool to mild days (22-28°C/72-82°F), but very cold nights (as low as 0°C/32°F) in June-July
  • Landscapes: Golden, dry grasses and sparse foliage mean better visibility
  • Mosquitoes: Minimal, with lower malaria risk

May and October serve as transition months, often offering excellent value with good wildlife viewing but slightly lower prices than the absolute peak months of July and August.

Wet/Green Season (November to April)

Once overlooked, Botswana’s summer green season has gained appreciation among safari connoisseurs:

  • Wildlife viewing: Birthing season for many species, lush vegetation, and spectacular bird migrations
  • Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms (usually brief), with rain typically falling in short, dramatic bursts
  • Temperatures: Hot and humid days (30-35°C/86-95°F), warm nights (18-22°C/64-72°F)
  • Landscapes: Vibrant green scenery, dramatic skies perfect for photography
  • Mosquitoes: More prevalent, making malaria prophylaxis essential

After my initial rainy season blunder, I’ve returned during the green season many times, armed with better preparation. The dramatic skies, newborn animals, and significantly lower prices make it a secret season that savvy travelers shouldn’t dismiss.

Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Botswana

Let me walk you through each month of the year to help you decide when your Botswana adventure should happen in 2025.

January – The Lush Abundance

January sits firmly in Botswana’s green season. The landscape transforms into an emerald paradise after the early summer rains.

What to Expect in January:

  • Hot, humid days with afternoon thunderstorms
  • The Central Kalahari Game Reserve comes alive (this is actually its BEST season)
  • Birthing season for impala, wildebeest, and zebra
  • Incredible bird-watching with migratory species present
  • Some remote camps closed due to flooding or access issues
  • Up to 50% lower prices than peak season

Insider Tip: January 2025 will likely see the continuation of a pricing trend I’ve noticed – some luxury camps offer “stay 4, pay 3” deals during this month. Look for these offers at camps like Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in the Okavango Delta, where I scored an extra night free last January.

During my January 2023 visit, I witnessed an incredible wild dog hunt in the Central Kalahari – something virtually impossible during the dry months when these endangered predators disperse widely. The green season transforms this seemingly barren desert into a wildlife haven.

February – The Birder’s Paradise

If you’re a bird enthusiast, February might be your perfect month to visit Botswana. The intra-African migrants are in full plumage, and wetland areas teem with life.

What to Expect in February:

  • Similar conditions to January – warm, humid, with afternoon showers
  • Peak birding season with over 550 species potentially visible
  • Young predators becoming more visible as they grow
  • The Makgadikgadi Pans often have shallow water, attracting flamingos
  • The least crowded month – I’ve had entire game drives with no other vehicles in sight
  • Some roads becoming challenging after heavy rains

Last February, I spent three days at Nxai Pan and witnessed the zebra migration in full swing – thousands of zebras moving across the suddenly green pans. Most tourists never see this phenomenon because they only visit during the dry months when the pans are barren and the zebras have dispersed northward.

March – The Transition Begins

March marks the beginning of the transition from the wet to the dry season. The rains become less frequent, but the landscape remains lush.

What to Expect in March:

  • Gradually decreasing rainfall
  • Warm days and comfortable nights
  • Still-green landscapes with excellent photography opportunities
  • Predators having an easier time hunting as prey animals begin to concentrate
  • Some seasonal camps reopening toward month’s end
  • Water levels rising in the Okavango Delta as floodwaters begin arriving from Angola

During my March 2022 visit, I remember sitting at Chitabe Camp watching a leopard stalking through high grasses. The emerald background made for stunning photographs that looked completely different from the typical dry-season leopard shots everyone brings home.

April – The Secret Season

April is what I consider Botswana’s best-kept secret. The rains have mostly subsided, yet prices haven’t climbed to peak season levels.

What to Expect in April:

  • Clear, warm days with cool nights
  • Lush but gradually receding vegetation
  • Excellent wildlife viewing as animals become more visible
  • Significantly fewer mosquitoes than the heart of rainy season
  • The annual Okavango flood beginning to arrive from Angola
  • Shoulder season pricing – often 30% less than peak months

Money-Saving Tip: April remains one of the best value months in Botswana. For 2025, book combination packages between safari companies that have reciprocal relationships. For example, I saved P8,400 (about $620) by booking a Natural Selection and Ker & Downey combined itinerary in April 2023.

May – The Perfect Balance

May offers what many consider the perfect balance of conditions for a Botswana safari.

What to Expect in May:

  • Comfortable temperatures: warm days, cool nights
  • Virtually no rainfall
  • Vegetation still green but thinning for improved visibility
  • Annual floods reaching the upper Okavango Delta
  • All camps and lodges open and operational
  • Prices beginning to rise but not yet at peak

My most memorable May experience was watching the floodwaters arrive at a bone-dry channel near Vumbura Plains camp. Within 24 hours, the dusty depression transformed into a vibrant waterway teeming with fish, frogs, and birds – nature’s magic happening right before my eyes.

June – The Start of Peak Season

June marks the beginning of Botswana’s traditional high season as conditions become ideal for classic safari experiences.

What to Expect in June:

  • Clear, sunny days with chilly nights (bring warm clothing!)
  • No rainfall
  • Excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around water
  • Okavango Delta floodwaters spreading throughout the system
  • Mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions becoming widely available
  • Increasing visitor numbers and higher prices

I’ll never forget my June 2019 visit to Moremi Game Reserve. The mornings were so cold I could see my breath, but by 10 AM I was in a t-shirt watching elephants playing in newly arrived floodwaters. The temperature swing was dramatic but made for magical wildlife encounters.

July – The Classic Safari Experience

July represents the quintessential Botswana safari month that features in wildlife documentaries.

What to Expect in July:

  • Cold mornings and evenings, pleasant daytime temperatures
  • Peak flood levels in the Okavango Delta
  • Exceptional predator sightings as animals concentrate around water
  • Bone-dry landscapes beyond the delta and rivers
  • Very busy camps and lodges (book at least 12 months ahead for 2025)
  • Premium pricing across the country

Insider Tip: For July 2025, consider lesser-known areas like the Selinda Spillway or Linyanti region. While everyone flocks to the central Okavango and Chobe, these areas offer similar wildlife density with slightly fewer vehicles. Last July, I spent three days in Selinda and saw more lions than I could count, with rarely another vehicle in sight.

August – Peak Season in Full Swing

August continues the premium safari experience with ideal conditions across most of Botswana.

What to Expect in August:

  • Similar conditions to July but gradually warming
  • Extremely dry landscapes concentrating wildlife around water
  • Peak visitor numbers, especially in Chobe National Park
  • Wind beginning to pick up, creating dusty conditions
  • The highest pricing of the year
  • Advance reservations absolutely essential

During my August 2021 visit, Chobe’s riverfront was almost comically packed with elephants. I counted over 200 in a single viewpoint! The concentration of wildlife around water sources during this month is truly spectacular.

September – The Heat Returns

September brings warmer temperatures while maintaining excellent wildlife viewing conditions.

What to Expect in September:

  • Increasingly hot days but still comfortable nights
  • Extremely dry landscapes with dust becoming a factor
  • Floodwaters beginning to recede in the Okavango
  • Spectacular game viewing around permanent water
  • High season prices and busy camps
  • The first migrant birds beginning to arrive

September 2020 in Savuti offered me the most intense predator action I’ve ever witnessed. As water became scarce, the competition between lions, hyenas, and wild dogs reached fever pitch. We watched a pride of 15 lions defend a buffalo kill against 20+ hyenas over an entire day – nature at its most raw and powerful.

October – The Heat Intensifies

October is known as “suicide month” among locals due to the intense heat before the rains arrive.

What to Expect in October:

  • Very hot days (often exceeding 40°C/104°F)
  • Extreme dryness creating dramatic wildlife struggles
  • Maximum concentration of animals around remaining water
  • Excellent predator sightings
  • Lower water levels making some boat activities challenging
  • High season prices beginning to drop toward month’s end

Despite the challenging heat, October has provided some of my most memorable safari moments. In October 2018, I watched 23 different lions come to drink at a single waterhole near Savuti over just two hours. The harsh conditions create wildlife spectacles unlike any other time.

November – The Refreshing Rains Begin

November typically marks the arrival of the first rains, bringing welcome relief to the parched landscape.

What to Expect in November:

  • Hot days with dramatic thunderstorms (usually in the afternoons)
  • The landscape beginning its rapid transformation to green
  • Animals dispersing as water becomes more widely available
  • Calving season beginning for some antelope species
  • Migrant birds arriving in large numbers
  • Prices dropping significantly from peak season

Money-Saving Tip: November 2025 will be an excellent time to take advantage of “green season” rates that offer the same accommodations for sometimes half the peak-season price. Look specifically at Wilderness Safaris’ “Secret Season” specials that typically become available in January 2025 for November travel.

December – The Green Transformation

By December, Botswana has usually received enough rain to transform the landscapes dramatically.

What to Expect in December:

  • Hot, sometimes humid days with regular afternoon thunderstorms
  • Lush green vegetation springing up everywhere
  • Wildlife more dispersed but still visible
  • Many herbivores beginning their calving season
  • Spectacular photographic opportunities with dramatic skies
  • Holiday period (Dec 20-Jan 5) seeing a brief price increase

My December 2022 visit to Khwai Community Concession revealed the area’s incredible transformation. Just two months earlier, it had been bone-dry and dusty. Now, seasonal pans filled with water, frogs chorused through the night, and impala dropped their young in synchrony – a wildlife spectacle of a completely different kind.

Wildlife Highlights Throughout the Year

Timing your visit to align with specific wildlife interests can make your Botswana safari even more special. Here’s my breakdown of wildlife highlights by season:

Predator Viewing

For maximum predator action, the late dry season (August-October) typically offers the most intense sightings. As water becomes scarce, the drama around remaining waterholes increases exponentially.

During my October visit to Linyanti, I watched a single waterhole that attracted: a pride of lions, a leopard, a cheetah coalition, and wild dogs – all within a 24-hour period. This concentration is simply impossible during the wet months.

Bird Watching

If birds are your primary interest, the green season (November-March) is unquestionably the best time. Botswana’s resident species are joined by migrants from Europe and northern Africa, bringing the bird count to over 550 possible species.

The Okavango and Chobe regions transform into birder’s paradises, with specialties like Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, and carmine bee-eaters available alongside hundreds of more common species.

Elephant Experience

Month Elephant Concentration Best Location Special Experiences
July-October Extremely high Chobe Riverfront Massive herds crossing rivers
November-February Moderate Dispersed throughout Breeding behavior, calving
March-June Building Linyanti, Savuti Family groups, fewer tourists

Nothing compares to watching Chobe’s legendary elephant herds in the dry season. During my September visit, we counted over 500 elephants along a 5km stretch of riverfront – a density unmatched anywhere else in Africa.

Great Zebra Migration

Few travelers realize that Botswana hosts the second-largest terrestrial migration in Africa after the Serengeti wildebeest. Each year, thousands of zebras migrate between the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans.

To witness this spectacle:

  • December-February: Zebras congregate in the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan areas
  • March-May: Transition period as they begin moving northward
  • June-November: Zebras disperse throughout the northern regions

Visiting Botswana’s Key Regions by Season

Botswana’s diverse ecosystems respond differently to seasonal changes. Here’s how to maximize experiences in each region:

Okavango Delta

The Okavango’s seasons are complex due to the annual flood pulse that arrives from Angola’s highlands.

Best Times to Visit the Okavango:

  • For water activities: June-September (peak flood)
  • For combined land/water experience: May and October (transition months)
  • For birding: November-March (green season)
  • For best value: April-May and November (shoulder seasons)

Local Phrase: “Pula!” (pronounced “poo-lah”) is both the name of Botswana’s currency and the word for rain. It’s used as a celebratory toast similar to “cheers!” – demonstrating how precious rain is in this arid country.

The Okavango’s transformation from dusty woodland to aquatic paradise happens literally before your eyes. During my May visit, I watched as the first floodwaters trickled into a dry floodplain at Jao Camp. Within days, fish appeared as if by magic (they actually survive the dry season by burrowing into mud).

Chobe National Park

Chobe is Botswana’s most accessible and busiest national park, famous for its enormous elephant herds.

Best Times to Visit Chobe:

  • For epic elephant sightings: August-October (dry season peak)
  • For birding: November-March (rainy season)
  • For fewer crowds: April-May and November
  • For the Savuti region: June-October (dry season) for predators

The Chobe riverfront gets extremely busy during peak months. During my August visit, I counted 27 vehicles at a single lion sighting! For a more exclusive experience, consider the park’s western sections like Savuti or the private Linyanti concessions that border the park.

Central Kalahari & Makgadikgadi

Contrary to most safari destinations, Botswana’s desert regions actually come alive during the green season.

Best Times to Visit:

  • For the Central Kalahari: January-April (green season)
  • For Makgadikgadi zebra migration: December-February
  • For salt pan experiences: July-October (dry, desolate landscapes)
  • For flamingos at Nata: Variable, depends on rainfall

The transformation of the Central Kalahari from barren wasteland to vibrant grassland must be seen to be believed. During my February visit to Tau Pan, the landscape was carpeted with yellow devil’s thorn flowers, attracting countless herbivores and their predators.

Costs and Pricing Throughout the Year

Botswana is renowned as one of Africa’s most expensive safari destinations, but costs vary dramatically by season.

Season Months Luxury Camp Pricing Moderate Camp Pricing Mobile Safari Pricing
Peak July-October $1,200-2,500 per person/night $600-950 per person/night $350-650 per person/night
Shoulder May-June, November $800-1,500 per person/night $400-700 per person/night $250-450 per person/night
Green December-April $600-1,200 per person/night $300-550 per person/night $200-350 per person/night

Money-Saving Tip: Many luxury camps offer “stay longer, pay less” deals during green season. By combining multiple camps from the same company, you can qualify for discounts up to 40%. I saved over P10,000 (about $740) on my last green season trip by booking a 9-night combination with Wilderness Safaris.

The price difference between seasons is substantial. For example, my January stay at Mombo Camp (widely considered Botswana’s most exclusive safari destination) cost P15,750 ($1,165) per night, while the same accommodation in August was priced at P33,750 ($2,500) – nearly 120% more expensive!

Practical Considerations for Seasonal Travel

Health & Safety by Season

Seasonal variations affect health considerations when visiting Botswana:

Malaria Risk:

  • Highest risk: November-April (rainy season)
  • Moderate risk: May-June, October (transition months)
  • Lowest risk: July-September (dry, cool season)

Regardless of when you visit, I recommend antimalarial medication. I learned this the hard way after contracting malaria during my March 2015 trip despite using only repellent. The illness cut my safari short and led to a miserable week in a Maun hospital.

Heat-Related Concerns:

  • September-November: Extremely hot days requiring careful hydration
  • December-February: Hot and humid conditions
  • June-August: Cold mornings/evenings requiring layers

What to Pack by Season

Packing needs vary dramatically by season:

Dry Season Essentials (May-October):

  • Warm layers for morning/evening (including hat, gloves in June-August)
  • Convertible pants/shirts with long sleeves
  • Dust protection (bandanas, lens cleaners)
  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
  • Less insect repellent (but still needed)

Green Season Essentials (November-April):

  • Quick-dry clothing (cotton takes forever to dry in humidity)
  • Strong insect repellent with DEET
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Waterproof bag for camera equipment
  • Hat with good coverage
  • More memory cards (dramatic skies lead to more photos!)

Local Phrase: “A re tsamaye pele pula e na” (pronounced “ah reh tsa-ma-yeh peh-leh poo-lah eh nah”) means “Let’s go before it rains” – a useful phrase during green season when afternoon thunderstorms often interrupt activities!

I made the classic mistake of bringing only a light jacket for my July safari. The morning temperature dropped to -2°C (28°F), and I ended up wearing every piece of clothing I had brought, including wrapping a towel around my legs during the morning game drive!

Accessibility and Road Conditions

Seasonal changes dramatically affect accessibility in Botswana:

Dry Season (May-October):

  • Most areas accessible by road
  • Some deep-sand tracks require 4×4 experience
  • All camps and lodges operational
  • Some water-only lodges require boat transfers

Green Season (November-April):

  • Many roads become impassable after heavy rain
  • Some areas completely inaccessible by land
  • Certain remote camps close completely
  • Flying transfers more essential but sometimes delayed by weather

During my February trip to Moremi, our vehicle got hopelessly stuck in mud near Third Bridge. What should have been a 2-hour transfer became an 8-hour ordeal. For green season, I now strongly recommend flying between destinations unless you’re with a professional guide in a properly equipped vehicle.

Special Interest Trips by Season

Photography

Different seasons offer dramatically different photographic opportunities:

Dry Season Photography:

  • Excellent for wildlife portraits against sparse backgrounds
  • Dramatic dust and golden light
  • Reliable animal concentrations
  • Clear skies (sometimes too plain)

Green Season Photography:

  • Dramatic storm clouds and lightning
  • Lush backgrounds and contrasting colors
  • Newborn animals and breeding behaviors
  • Birds in breeding plumage
  • Fewer vehicles in sightings

As someone who’s photographed Botswana extensively in both seasons, I find green season produces more unique images but requires greater patience and skill. Dry season almost guarantees dramatic wildlife shots but often looks similar to everyone else’s safari photos.

Family Safaris

Traveling with children requires special consideration of season:

Best Seasons for Families:

  • May-June and September: Comfortable temperatures, good wildlife, lower malaria risk
  • July-August: Excellent wildlife but very cold mornings/evenings
  • December-January: School holidays but hot and with higher malaria risk

I took my nephews (ages 8 and 11) on their first safari in May 2022. The moderate temperatures, virtually guaranteed wildlife sightings, and lower disease risk made it ideal. Many lodges also offer special family programs during school holiday periods.

Cultural Experiences

Most visitors focus solely on wildlife, but Botswana offers rich cultural experiences that vary seasonally:

Cultural Highlights by Season:

  • July-September: San Bushman walks in the Kalahari (cooler walking weather)
  • December-February: Village life more vibrant during the agricultural season
  • September: Botswana Independence Day celebrations (September 30)
  • April: Maitisong Festival in Gaborone (arts and culture)

Local Phrase: “Dumela mma/rra” (pronounced “doo-meh-lah mah/rah”) means “Hello madam/sir” in Setswana. This respectful greeting, differentiated by gender, will earn you warm smiles throughout Botswana.

One of my most memorable experiences was participating in traditional basket weaving with women in the Okavango Panhandle during February. The green season meant plenty of fresh palm fronds were available for crafting, and fewer tourists meant a more authentic interaction.

Sustainability Considerations

Seasonal travel choices impact not just your experience but also Botswana’s fragile ecosystems and communities:

Environmental Impact by Season

  • Dry season concerns: High vehicle concentration causing track damage and wildlife stress in popular areas
  • Wet season concerns: Off-road driving causing long-lasting damage to saturated soils

Sustainability Tip: Traveling during shoulder seasons (May-June and November) reduces your environmental footprint while still offering excellent wildlife viewing. The reduced congestion means less vehicle impact on the environment and less pressure on water resources during the driest months.

Supporting Local Communities Year-Round

Botswana’s tourism industry faces extreme seasonality, with many staff laid off during green season due to low occupancy:

  • Green season travel helps maintain year-round employment
  • Shoulder season visits support a more sustainable tourism model
  • Look for community-owned concessions like Khwai and Sankuyo that directly benefit local people

During my January visits, I’ve noticed a profound appreciation from staff who mentioned that green season visitors help them maintain steady employment. Some camps offer reduced rates but maintain full staffing specifically to avoid seasonal layoffs.

My Personal Recommendations for 2025

After twelve years of exploring Botswana in every season, here are my unfiltered recommendations for planning your 2025 visit:

Best Overall Times to Visit in 2025

  1. May 10-30, 2025: Perfect balance of excellent wildlife, good value, and comfortable conditions
  2. September 15-30, 2025: Peak wildlife viewing before October heat becomes excessive
  3. November 10-30, 2025: Early green season with dramatic skies but before peak rains

5-Step Action Plan for Your 2025 Botswana Safari

  1. Determine your priorities: Wildlife focus? Photography? Bird watching? Budget constraints? This should drive your seasonal choice.
  2. Book 12-18 months ahead: For 2025 peak season (July-September), book by July 2024 at the latest. For green season, 6-9 months ahead is usually sufficient.
  3. Consider combination seasons: My favorite itinerary includes both dry and wet regions during transition months. Try combining Central Kalahari and Okavango in April/May or November.
  4. Prepare specifically for your season: Use my packing lists above and ensure proper medical preparations for your chosen time.
  5. Build in buffer days: Green season especially requires flexibility. Plan an extra day in Maun before international flights to accommodate weather delays.

My Personal Favorite Month

If I could choose just one time to visit Botswana in 2025, it would be May 15-30. This sweet spot offers:

  • Comfortable temperatures with cool evenings and pleasant days
  • Excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate but vegetation still offers some green
  • The magic of watching floodwaters arrive in the Okavango
  • Pricing about 30% lower than peak months
  • Fewer vehicles and tourists than July-September
  • Low mosquito numbers and reduced malaria risk

I’ll never forget my May 2017 visit to Duba Plains, watching the first floodwaters bringing life to parched channels while red lechwe antelope pranced through shallow waters and hippos returned to areas that had been dry just days before. It felt like witnessing the biblical creation story unfolding before my eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the absolute cheapest time to visit Botswana?

The lowest prices are typically found in January and February, during the heart of the green season. Many luxury camps offer up to 50% off their peak season rates. However, some remote camps close completely during this period, and certain areas become inaccessible.

Is Botswana safe to visit during the rainy season?

Yes, Botswana remains one of Africa’s safest countries year-round. The main safety concerns during rainy season are related to road conditions (many become impassable) and slightly increased health risks (particularly malaria). Flying between destinations eliminates most road safety concerns.

Will I see the “Big Five” regardless of when I visit?

Unlike some safari destinations, Botswana doesn’t guarantee the Big Five in all regions or seasons. Rhinos are rare and primarily found in northern Moremi. Buffalo tend to disperse during wet seasons. Lions, elephants, and leopards are present year-round but can be harder to spot during green seasons when vegetation is thick.

How far in advance should I book for 2025?

For July-September 2025 (peak season): Book by July 2024 (12-15 months ahead) for best options, especially for high-end properties and popular areas like Mombo and Chief’s Camp.

For shoulder seasons (May-June, October-November 2025): Book 9-12 months ahead.

For green season (December 2025-April 2026): Book 6-9 months ahead, though last-minute availability is often possible.

Is December a good time to visit Botswana?

December offers a mixed experience. Early December (1-15) can be excellent with dramatic skies, new vegetation, and newborn animals, but without the full impact of the rains. Late December (20-31) sees higher prices due to the holiday period and potentially more rainfall. It’s excellent for bird watching and photography but not ideal for those seeking guaranteed predator sightings.

How bad are the mosquitoes during green season?

Mosquito density varies by region and specific rainfall patterns. In my experience:

  • Delta camps near permanent water have mosquitoes year-round but peak during December-March
  • Dry areas like Savuti and Kalahari have few mosquitoes until after substantial rains
  • Dawn and dusk are always the worst times

With proper precautions (repellent, long sleeves at night, and antimalarials), mosquitoes are manageable even during peak months.

Can I self-drive in Botswana during the rainy season?

Self-driving during green season requires substantial 4×4 experience, proper equipment (including recovery gear and satellite communication), and flexible planning. Many roads become completely impassable after heavy rains. For most travelers, I recommend either flying between destinations or joining an organized mobile safari with professional guides during the rainy months.

References

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