The essence of wilderness is revealed in this profound immersion in the Botswana bush, protected by a conservation-minded government that leads the continent in habitat preservation. Botswana is a bastion for elephants, home to Africa’s largest population of over 130,000 and endangered species, including rhino and wild dog. The San people have occupied it for more than 100,000 years. A diverse range of animals flourishes in the sprawling grasslands, deltas, and savannas that make up this mosaic of biological diversity.

Explore various environments on game drives, bush walks, and dugout canoe trips from our traditional canvas campers, which are exceptionally pleasant without extravagance. While the sun sets, gather around the campfire to reflect on the day’s events as the stars twinkle overhead, and animal noises echo into the darkness.

Book a Botswana safari or trip now with New Paths Expeditions and discover a world of natural wonders! Email us at expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com and start planning your voyage now.

BOTSWANA HIGHLIGHTS

• Close encounters with Africa’s Big Five guaranteed
• Explore little authentic villages and contact locals
• Visit Botswana’s most important game reserves: Moremi Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, among others.

• Explore Botswana’s various environments as we go deep into the Okavango Delta, which is recognized as a World Heritage
• Take a canoe safari in the Okavango Delta
• Let our experts craft the best experience in Botswana!

Time and Weather

Botswana’s weather varies all over the year. September to October is spring, with the oncoming threat of rain, the air becomes hot, and October daytime temperatures head into the high 30’s °C with nighttime temperatures averaging the low 20’s °C. November to March is summer or ‘Green Season.’ Temperatures may be very high. However, summer is also the rainy season, and cloud coverage and rain can cool things down considerably, although only usually for a short period. January and February are generally the wettest months, with spectacular afternoon thunderstorms and dramatic skies. April to May is autumn. There is little rainfall; although the days are still warm, the nights are distinctly cooler. It is a lovely time of year. June – August is winter. Clear cobalt blue skies and bone-dry, the air is seductively warm during the daylight hours but, because there is no cloud cover, cold at night and in the early mornings. Sometimes bitterly so – frost is expected, and small quantities of water can freeze.

The best time to visit

Botswana is a year-round wildlife destination. However, some months are more productive than others regarding game viewing, birding, botany, and photography. June is an exciting month because wild dogs begin to search for dens. As winter takes its grip and seasonal pans begin to dry, large herds of elephant and buffalo congregate around permanent water sources closely followed by silently waiting predators. In September, the skies are alive with color as thousands of carmine bee-eaters return from their winter feeding grounds and start nesting on the banks of the Kwando River. When the summer rains start towards November, Savute comes alive. Its rich new grasses are a magnet for Burchell’s zebra and wildebeest herds. Rain arrives at the end of November, bringing about many ecological systems changes. Along with the first rains comes the rejuvenation of the vegetation, with new emerald green foliage and an abundance of flowers. In the animal kingdom, it’s a time of new beginnings as the birthing season begins with the tsessebe, followed by impala, lechwe, and wildebeest. Predators seek out the vulnerable young and kill many times a day. All the migrant birds have arrived, making December a month of color, action, excellent visibility, and dramatic skies that inspire photographers.

Wildlife

The Okavango Delta and Moremi are home to an incredible diversity and quantity of wildlife, including no less than 160 mammal species. The Big Five you may be found, and the Okavango is well-known for its leopard sightings. It also has one of the highest concentrations of critically endangered African wild dog. Wild dog packs roam over large territories, and spotting them is ‘hit-or-miss’ except when they are denning.

Cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and giraffes are all present, while antelope species include the red lechwe, sable, and the endangered topi. With over 530 documented species, the Okavango Delta is perhaps the outstanding location for birders in Southern Africa. Keep an eye out for one-of-a-kind species such as the African skimmer and the Pel’s fishing owl.

Sitatunga, red lechwe, and puku can be found in the Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chobe’s riverfront area. These rare antelopes have adapted to a semi-aquatic habitat and spend a lot of time in shallow water.