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When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Read our advice on the best time to visit Botswana for a family safari holiday

Botswana is the envy of most safari countries

Botswana offers incredible safari all here round. The winter months, from June to October are the best for game viewing and mokoro excursions on the flooded Okavango Delta. The wetter summer, from November to May, sees the game move into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Makgadikgadi Pans, and the arrival of thousands of migratory birds.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Best
Good
Mixed
Best Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct,
Good Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Mixed
Camp Xakanaxa Luxury Family Safaris Botswana
June - October

The height of game-viewing

The dry season in Botswana allows family safaris to enjoy warm, sunny days and clear skies. And the sparsity of rain means that wildlife is easier to spot, as they gather around the remaining water sources, such as the Okavango Delta, the Chobe River and the Savute Channel. You can witness large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras and antelopes, as well as predators like lions, leopards and African wild dogs.

This is also the time when the Okavango Delta is at its most spectacular, as it fills up with water from the annual floods. Family safaris during this time of year can discover a lush oasis of islands, channels and lagoons, where you can explore by mokoro, boat or helicopter. The delta is home to a rich variety of birds and animals, such as hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and rare Sitatunga antelopes.

Camp Xakanaxa Luxury Family Safaris Botswana
April, May and November
The Shoulder Season

The transitional period between the dry and wet seasons means you can enjoy lower prices, fewer crowds and more availability at some of the best family-friendly lodges and camps in Botswana.

The changing weather creates some interesting and dramatic scenes. In April and May you can witness the autumn colours of the trees and grasses, as well as the migration of zebras and wildebeests from the wetlands to the drylands.

In November and December, you can experience the first rains of the season, which trigger a transformation of the landscape, as it becomes greener and more fertile.

As always, Botswana still boasts good wildlife viewing, as the animals are still concentrated around water sources, but are more active due to the cooler temperatures and new vegetation.

Kanana Camp Luxury Family Safaris Botswana
December - March

The summer rains

The wet season transforms Botswana from semi-arid plains to a lush landscape with colourful flowers and green vegetation.

The best time to visit for twitchers as many migratory birds arrive in Botswana to escape the winter in the north. You can see a variety of birds, such as flamingos, storks, cranes, eagles and kingfishers, as well as some rare and endemic species, such as the slaty egret and the wattled crane.

You can also witness some spectacular breeding colonies of birds, such as herons and pelicans, in places like the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans.

The green season is perfect for a budget-conscious family safari as lodges drop their prices and crowds stay away meaning greater booking flexibility.

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Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Mike-and-Tess-portrait-cropped.jpg?w=188&h=200&scale
Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Experiences
Unforgettable Botswana family safari experiences

Add some magic to your Botswana family safari holiday by including some of our favourite experiences.

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Why travel with Coral Tree?

We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays

We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.

Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed

We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.

Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind

No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.

Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects

You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.

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Talk to Tess & Mike about your next big adventure
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720
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