When to go
to Botswana

candid safari tips

 

Which is best,
the rainy or
dry season?

There is no universal answer. It depends on your safari priorities. Below is a run-down on the advantages of each period to help you decide when to go.

Rainy season
advantages

Landscape

The vegetation is beautifully lush, not dry and brown.

Birding

Migratory birds come in mass in the winter to nest and rear their offspring.

Sunsets

Sunsets are spectacular this time of the year.

Lower tourism density

You enjoy a greater sense of the wilderness because there are fewer safari tourists, vehicles, and boats around.

Reservations

You have far less competition for airline, lodging and tour reservations.

Costs

Lodging is often 20 to 30% lower than standard rates.

Dry season
advantages

Game viewing

The safari animals are much easier to spot because tree and bush foliage will be minimal. And when water becomes scarce, waterholes become magnets to thirsty animals - this creates outstanding viewing opportunities.

Temperature

Although nights can be cold, days are wonderfully mild. (Note: Rainy-season days can be uncomfortably hot and humid.)

Passable roads

It's unlikely that rainstorms will wash out the dirt and gravel roads that safari vehicles rely upon.

Sunny

The skies are appreciably clearer. This enhances your safari photos.

My recommendations

For big game watching

Go in the dry season despite its disadvantages. You will see more animals.

For birding

Opt for the rainy season despite its drawbacks. You will see more birds.

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