If you’ve never been to Botswana—or Africa, for that matter—you’re in for a life-changing experience. Just like you’d check your weather app before packing, we’re here to give you everything you need to know before your Botswana safari, so you can arrive fully prepared and excited.
In This article I share with you what you can expect on a Botswana safari and how you can be prepared to have a great adventure.
A Wilderness Like No Other
Botswana offers one of the most distinctive and unspoiled safari experiences in Southern Africa. Unlike some destinations where dozens of vehicles crowd around a single lion sighting, Botswana keeps things intimate. Tourism here is built around a low-impact, high-quality model—meaning fewer people, more space, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Here, you won’t be fighting crowds to see wildlife. Instead, you’ll explore vast, remote, and sparsely populated landscapes where you can truly disconnect from modern distractions and connect with nature in its rawest form.
From the elephant-filled plains of Chobe National Park, known for its riverfront herds, to the labyrinthine waterways of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Botswana’s landscapes are as diverse as they are breathtaking. The Makgadikgadi Pans, once a massive lake, now form a shimmering salt desert that transforms with the seasons. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers wide open spaces and elusive desert-adapted wildlife, while Moremi Game Reserve showcases classic big game experiences in a well-protected area.
Safari in Botswana is about slowing down, soaking up the scenery, and appreciating the smaller details—like a bird’s call echoing across the Delta, or the tracks of a lion in the morning dust. Game drives are rarely rushed, and you often won’t be sharing wildlife sightings with a crowd—just you, your guide, and the wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
Botswana is a year-round destination, but understanding its seasonal rhythms will help you choose the experience that suits you best.
- Dry Season (June to October): This is the most popular time for a safari. The bush thins out, making animals easier to spot as they gather around waterholes. The Okavango Delta floods during these months, creating an oasis in the desert that supports high concentrations of wildlife. Expect cool mornings, warm afternoons, and ideal conditions for photography.
- Green Season (November to March): The summer rains transform the landscape into a lush green paradise. It’s calving season, so you’ll see lots of baby animals, and predators often follow. Birdwatching is phenomenal as migratory species arrive. Although afternoon thunderstorms are common, they’re usually short-lived and followed by clear skies.
- Shoulder Season (April to May): A quieter period with moderate weather, fewer crowds, and good game viewing. It’s a wonderful time for those who want a balanced safari without extreme heat or cold.
Places like the Central Kalahari and Nxai Pan truly come alive during the green season, with massive zebra migrations and blooming landscapes that create striking photo opportunities.
Wildlife Highlights
Botswana is a wildlife haven and home to a remarkable variety of species. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you can still see animals behaving naturally and undisturbed by mass tourism. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Elephants: Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa—estimated at over 130,000. Chobe is famously known as “The Land of the Giants.”
- Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely, with good chances of spotting them on game drives.
- African Wild Dogs: Rare and endangered, but Botswana is one of the best places to see these fascinating hunters.
- Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, and Wildebeest: Iconic African herbivores seen throughout most parks.
- Birdlife: Over 500 species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and raptors—making Botswana a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Meerkats, Honey Badgers, and Pangolins: Botswana offers plenty of special sightings for those who love the unusual.
Climate & Weather
Botswana’s climate follows a general pattern of warm summers and cooler, dry winters.
- January–March: Hot and rainy. Daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F). Expect short, heavy downpours in the afternoons.
- April–May: Rain subsides, and the landscape begins to dry out. Cooler nights and fresh mornings.
- June–August: Peak safari season. Dry with sunny days (24°C/75°F) and cold nights (as low as 5°C/41°F).
- September–October: Hot and dry. Temperatures rise again, sometimes above 35°C (95°F).
- November–December: The start of the rainy season. Expect dramatic skies and blossoming trees.
Always pack for variable temperatures. Days can be warm while early mornings and evenings drop dramatically in winter.
What to Pack for a Safari in Botswana
A safari is a unique type of travel that requires thoughtful packing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Clothing: Earth-tone clothing (khaki, olive, brown) helps you blend in and avoids attracting insects. Pack long sleeves for sun protection and to guard against mosquitos.
- Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly even when the day is warm. Bring fleeces, light jackets, and scarves.
- Winter Gear: For June–August trips, pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a beanie for early game drives.
- Summer Gear: Light, breathable fabrics, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen.
- Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes for game drives and walks.
- Other Essentials: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, spare memory cards, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and a flashlight or headlamp.
Pro Tips for Your Safari Adventure
- Check Entry Requirements: Some nationalities need a visa for Botswana. Always check before booking.
- Health Precautions: Visit your travel clinic for malaria advice and vaccinations. Botswana is a malaria area in summer.
- Light Luggage: If you’re flying into camps, pack light. Most bush planes have a 15kg (33 lb) soft bag limit.
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: For your safety and to preserve the environment.
- Be Patient: Wildlife sightings take time. Some of the best moments come from waiting and observing.
- Ask Questions: Guides are incredibly knowledgeable. The more you ask, the richer your experience.
Your Safari, Your Way
At the heart of every Botswana safari is a sense of discovery and respect—for nature, wildlife, and culture. Whether you want luxury lodges, adventurous camping, or remote mobile safaris, there’s a style of safari for every type of traveler.
As travel specialists in the region, we’re passionate about crafting personalized, bucket-list worthy itineraries that prioritize comfort, authenticity, and immersion.
Ready for your Botswana safari? Talk to us today and let us help you turn your dream into an unforgettable journey through the wild heart of Africa.