An important question to ask when planning your safari – what is the best time to visit? Botswana is a seasonal destination, as is the case with most of the countries in Southern Africa. The ebb and flow of these seasons is reflected in the behaviour of the wildlife… with the most obvious changes in the mammals, and birds. For most of us a Safari is about the animals, and the scenery… not to mention just being out in the wilds of Africa! Here the very air is different – you get to experience nature at its most unspoilt, and beautiful.The winter months of June, July and August are the driest, which means less water for both plant and animal. Yes, it can get very chilly at night (the Lodges and Camps make provision for this), but the day-time temperatures are still very pleasant (even hot).  

The bush is drier, with little grass, and only the evergreen trees seeming to show any life. This means that due to this lack of water, the mammals in particular congregate around whatever sources are available… the Chobe River on the northern border, the Okavango Delta, and certain areas, such as Savute, that tend to have natural waterholes. And where the ‘crowds’ congregate (the plains game – antelope, zebra, and of course, elephant), you will also get the carnivores… lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena, all of which pay their part in the cycles of like (and death) which make for such compelling game viewing.  

The Okavango Delta is classified as dry/ semi-arid with high temperatures and a definite winter dry season. Botswana’s climate is technically tropical, but the country’s overall elevation (an average of 950 metres above sea level), means that the weather is actually temperate. The Okavango’s annual flood is during May-September (although there can be some variation). This flood is not due to rains in Botswana, but to rains in the Angolan Highlands which is the source of the Okavango River. It is this rain, as it travels the length of the River, which ultimately fills the Delta.

 January and February – these tend to be wettest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and sometimes continuous rainfall. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F.

March and April – rainfall decreases and temperatures start to drop. This continues through April, which has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights tend to be cooler but the days are very temperate at 30°C/87°F.

May – relatively cool, typically 10°C/50°F in the morning; 28°C/80°F by the afternoon.

June, July and August – average morning temperature is 6°C/42°F. Night temperatures can drop below freezing, particularly in the dryer Kalahari areas. In general, afternoons are much more pleasant with temperatures around 25°C/78°F.

September and October – the heat gradually builds and it can get very hot in October (38°C/100°F), but the average temperature remains around 34°C/93°F in the afternoon.

Mapula Lodge is open all year round with excellent game viewing. Water levels are highest in April to October for exploring on mokoros and boats. At other times of year, water activities may be restricted. Dry season: April – October Green season: November – March