Safari Planning

Many factors determine the best time to travel to Botswana, which is a year-round safari destination. So how do you choose between its two seasons? Here are a few tips:

1. Photography

Botswana's green season (Nov-May) is an excellent time for photography with verdant landscapes, little dust in the air, and a mix of clouds and sunshine creating evocative skies and dramatic sunsets. While this is the rainy season, typical weather patterns involve clear mornings and brief afternoon thunderstorms.

2. Pricing & Availability

The cost of a safari drops significantly in the green season, with savings frequently as much 25 percent less than the dry season, along with special green-season offers. Within Botswana's highly regulated tourism model, which has strict limits on visitor numbers, space during the dry season (Jun-Oct) is in great demand. It’s thus important to book your dry-season safari 8-12 months in advance. During the green season you may be able to take advantage of more last-minute savings opportunities.

3. Wildlife Viewing

Most people consider Botswana’s dry winter season to be the best time for wildlife viewing, as the grasses are low and water sources scarce, forcing the animals to congregate in areas where they are easier to spot, and predator-prey interaction becomes more frequent. However, the green season is when most babies are born, and new births on the plains are a special highlight. Regardless of when you choose to go, Botswana offers superb wildlife viewing at any time of year! Learn more about weather and wildlife patterns with our Best Time to Travel tool.

Call Us to Book Your Safari – 1-800-543-8917

Image © Caroline Culbert