May to October - The Dry Season

May is the beginning of the busiest season in the country as well as the start of the dry winter season. This month offers excellent game viewing and the campsites and safari parks are on the quieter side. The high grass and lush vegetation start to die down and the animals move toward permanent water sources. Wildlife sightings are at their best in the Savuti region where buffalo and zebra can be found in large numbers and the elephants return to the Linyati Chobe River System in May. The dry winter runs through October and the weather is filled with blue skies, warm ays, and cool nights. June, July and August are some of the coolest months with daily average temperatures around 77F degrees, but dropping below freezing at night. Stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Pan is amazing at this time of year. In the months of July and August the Okavango Delta levels peak and can swell to three times of the non-flooding periods. Victoria Falls is also a must-see attraction and is at its fullest after the heavy rains of the wet season. During the height of the dry season, wildlife congregates around the seasonally high flood waters and at permanent water sources like the Kwando River and the Chobe River.

June is another great month to visit Botswana. The campsites are full and cameras are out in full effect capturing some of the magnificent sites. The days are still warm and beautiful but not too hot, however the nights can be below freezing. The waterholes start shrinking and become the main focus for both prey and predators, it is an easy time to spot game. New litters of African wild dogs are born this time of year, visitors might get a glimpse of this rare animal, and if you are interested in seeing some famous zebra herds they can be found at the Chobe River flood plains from June to November. This is a very popular time of year, making it quite busy, and is advisable to book your trip in advance especially if planning to go on a safari.

July is the beginning of peak season, with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings. The floodwaters rise as the water filters through from the central uplands of Angola. This can be a very rewarding time to get out on the water in a mokoro when the channels fill up and get higher day by day. There are plenty of things to do in Botswana, it's the perfect time to visit the famous Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve, and the Chobe National Park. Wildlife can be found in higher numbers than in other parts of the country during this time, and game viewing is superb along the water channels. There is a large variety of large mammals along the waterways and plenty to feast on. July and August are the busiest months of the year in Botswana, campsites fill up at this time, as well as safaris.

The month of August in Botswana is very dry throughout the country, it is very hot this time of year with especially cold temperatures at night. This is a popular month to visit the game parks in the country as the weather is perfect this time of year for a safari adventure. This is also a very popular month for families with children to visit during the school holidays. The water levels of the Okavango Delta are very high and the vegetation is sparse making viewing along the waterways some of the best. This month marks the start of the catfish run in the northwest panhandle, the main water source for the Okavango.

September is filled with sparkling blue skies, sunshine-filled days, and high temperatures that fade into balmy evenings. The landscapes are extremely dry and dusty with the absence of rain, the plains game are fighting a constant battle for survival as they are harried by predators. Temperatures this time of year can reach the high 90s and into the 100’s. It is a good time to spot animals and all areas are typically open for touring as they are not flooded. During this month hundreds of elephants are making their way to Chobe and Linyati Rivers as they rely on the water source for survival. The barbel run occurs in the Okavango Panhandle during this time when water levels are starting to drop after the winter floods. The river recedes and barbel fish flush out small baitfish from the papyrus, chasing, and trapping them against red beds in a carnivorous fish frenzy, and countless hungry birds.

October is the hottest month on the calendar when the heat rises as high as 104F degrees midday. It is still a very popular month to visit as animal sightings are easy. Keep an eye out for the Big Five; Lions, Leopard’s, Elephant, Black Rhino’s, and Buffalo, along with classic favorites such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Taking a Botswana safari during this month, especially along the Chobe River will allow visitors to view thirsty herds of elephants along the banks.