Botswana, a landlocked nation, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, is home to the world’s largest inland delta - the Okavango Delta, as well as the Chobe National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Lake Ngami, and the Kalahari Desert. It has much to offer guests, however offerings may differ from season to season.

According to Cathlyn Grieb, Digital Marketing Assistant for Bushtracks Africa, Chobe National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Botswana due to its excellent game viewing and large elephant populations. The Okavango Delta offers a different game viewing experience as does the Kalahari, of which a large portion falls into the country.

Chief Operating Officer for aha Chobe Marina Lodge, Malcolm Robinson, comments: “Some months experience better game viewing than others, but the experience is excellent no matter what time of the year.”

“Each season has its own magic, it really depends on which area you are planning to visit and what your preferences are. Botswana is an easy-to-sell year-round destination,” comments Mariki van Tonder, Director of Sales: Southern Africa for Sanctuary Retreats.

Robinson says it’s difficult to pin-point a specific time to visit and the decision is an individual choice. With the rains between November and March (at their peak between January and March), wildlife areas become green and lush. “Temperatures are usually much higher during this time, and the Okavango Delta is typically flooded,” adds Grieb.

“A trip during the wet season is great for viewing different bird species, as they flock in abundance during the rains. There is more chance of predator sightings, as there are many young animals in the herds at this time of the year,” she says, adding that this is also a good time of the year for serious photography, as the foliage is lush and there are many raincloud formations.

The dense bush, however, can also be challenging for game viewing in certain areas.

In the Okavango during the rainy season, guests can enjoy game viewing by mokoro. According to Van Tonder, peak seasons in the Okavango are July 1 to August 31 and December 21 to January 6, when the Delta is fully flooded. She describes it as something “truly spectacular, and a scenic helicopter flight is a must!”

High season occurs just before and after these peaks. June is a good month for viewing, she says and in September and October visitors can still experience the Delta in flood.

Some properties, says Van Tonder, have started promoting April and May as medium season in the Okavango Delta, as the rains are less frequent, the days are cooler, the bush is green and guests avoid having to pay the high/peak season rates.

During the dry winter months of April-September, humidity drops and temperatures are lower, vegetation thins out and game is easier to spot. At this time, wildlife tends to be concentrated in high numbers at water sources, states Robinson. Van Tonder says that with less water the traversing areas are much larger, offering a wider variety of micro habitats.

Furthermore, rates are lower. Says Grieb: “It’s a great time to take advantage of if you are travelling on a budget, however many camps and lodges close during this period.”

The best dry season months to visit are June, July and August, says Grieb, but travellers should be aware that mokoro activities can be suspended.