From extreme weather to breathtaking safaris: a detailed guide to planning your trip
Are you dreaming of taking an epic trip to Botswana, but have no idea when to go?
Well, today is your lucky day, because we’ve decided to write a guide on exactly that.
Why did we do it?
Because we like you, that’s why!
Come on, let’s get going!
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Botswana’s climate: a little Jekyll, a little Hyde
Let’s make one thing clear right away: Botswana’s climate is a bit bipolar. One moment it’s all sunshine and happiness—mostly sunshine—and the next you’re caught in downpours straight out of a biblical flood, only slightly worse.
And to make things a little more confusing, since Botswana is below the equator, the seasons are reversed here: December is scorching hot, while the cooler weather arrives between July and August.
But don’t worry, we’ll explain everything!
Summer: when Botswana turns into a sauna
From November to March, get ready to sweat. And when I say sweat, I mean SWEAT.
Temperatures soar and the humidity is so intense it makes you question every life choice that brought you here.
Luckily, there’s the rain—even if “rain” is an understatement, because we’re really talking about powerful downpours that transform the landscape into a green paradise, perfect for nature lovers. In particular, during the hot, humid months, a huge variety of bird species gathers here, sending birdwatching enthusiasts into absolute bliss.
There’s just one small problem: the roads. With all that rain, some areas become impassable. But if you’re well organized—or better yet, if you decide to explore the country with people like us, who plan things properly, use powerful vehicles, and rely on expert guides who could give Bear Grylls a run for his money—then you won’t have any problems at all.
Winter: the perfect time for safaris (and for freezing at night)
May to August is the golden season for safaris. The weather is dry, the vegetation thins out, and animals gather around the remaining water sources.
Despite the season, the days are still warm and pleasant, perfect for spending hours watching elephants, lions, and everything else that moves. But be careful: nights get seriously cold, so bring something warm.
Oh, and one more thing: during this period Botswana gets fairly crowded (yes, them again—the tourists!). Everyone wants to see the spectacular wildlife that lives here, so keep that in mind when deciding when to leave.
Shoulder seasons: the perfect compromise
April and September-October are like that dish that’s neither meat nor fish—but in a good way! Temperatures are mild, rain is occasional, and there are fewer tourists. It’s the perfect time for anyone looking for a more intimate experience with Botswana’s nature.
During these months, you may find variable conditions, but a little unpredictability adds some spice to the adventure, doesn’t it? And just think: you’ll be able to tell your friends you saw Botswana in a way few others ever do!
What to do in Botswana: is watching animals enough for you?
Okavango Delta: like Venice, but with more elephants
The Okavango Delta is all channels, streams, little waterways, and things like that. Just like Venice—if Venice were full of wild animals instead of tourists with cameras and pigeons making a mess everywhere.
During the dry season, this place becomes a true paradise for animals (and for safari lovers).
But if you really want an experience off the beaten path, in addition to a jeep tour around the area, we recommend something less clunky and much better suited to gliding across the water: the mokoro, the traditional local canoe, in search of hippos and elephants, the stars of the region.
Trust us, it’s an amazing experience, and every time we head to Botswana, we never miss the thrill of a mokoro ride through the Okavango.
Chobe National Park: lots of elephants here too
If you love elephants, this is the place for you.
Between June and October, Chobe becomes practically the largest gathering of pachyderms in the world, like one giant convention. There are more than 100,000 of them here!
And if you don’t want to see only big ears and trunks, there’s plenty more too.
The Chobe River area is a real hotspot for local wildlife: you’ll find lions, giraffes, zebras, and plenty of other amazing animals.
In short, if you love animals, you can’t miss this area.
The best time for safaris?
Sunrise and sunset, when animals are most active and the light is perfect for photos. So even if you’re not a morning person, trust us: getting up at dawn is absolutely worth it.
What to pack in your backpack: or, how not to look unprepared
Okay, now that you know when to go and what to do, let’s talk about what to bring. Because nothing ruins a trip like realizing you forgot something essential.
Let’s start with clothing.
It’s hot during the day, but at night, as I mentioned earlier, it can get quite chilly. So dress in layers like an onion: breathable T-shirts and light trousers for the day, sweaters and jackets for the evening.
And don’t forget a hat: Botswana’s sun is no joke!
Now let’s move on to gear.
A good pair of binoculars can make all the difference when it comes to spotting wildlife—unless you happen to have hawk-like vision. But even then, binoculars still help, don’t they?
And don’t forget your camera, otherwise no one will believe you when you say you saw a lion from just three metres away.
If you’re camping, bring a lightweight tent and a warm sleeping bag. And a torch too, because tripping in the dark and landing face-first on the ground is never fun.
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Botswana is waiting for you!
There you have it—now you’re ready for your trip to Botswana!
Remember, every season has its own charm, so there really isn’t a “wrong” time to visit this incredible country. The important thing is to be prepared and have the right mindset to enjoy it to the fullest.
And if after reading all this you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, well, guess what? We at Sto Gran Tour have the perfect solution for you!
We’ve put together an incredible 14-day Botswana itinerary that will let you experience the very best of the country, from wildlife-filled savannahs to the Okavango Delta, and even the Kalahari Desert—just so you don’t miss a thing.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your backpack, put on your hiking shorts (yes, the ones with all the pockets), and join us for an experience that will leave you speechless!
