Myth-busting Botswana in the 'green season'
- Josh Flatman
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Botswana is one of our favourite safari destinations and we have spent months here in the low season months. While we might normally try to avoid the rain in our day-to-day lives it this exactly this which makes this such a special time for wildlife viewing.
Q. When is the "green season"?
Typically between November and March/April, coinciding with the rainy season. It's called the green season because vegetation becomes much more lush.
Q. Doesn't it rain everyday?
Not necessarily. You might get a few days of continuous drizzle followed by a period of blue skies and sunshine. In the dry spells, humidity tends to build before breaking with a short sharp downpour, often accompanied by an incredible thunderstorm. In the 20 days we were there, we had 10 days that were completely dry! It is a mixed bag, but you can guarantee variety and drama.
Q. Aren't the animals harder to see?
With the onset of the rains, some animals do disperse as they are not restricted to the pull of certain year-round water sources. Despite their size this can be particularly true of elephants. However, most other species maintain their territories and the green season is full of new life. Migratory birds make a reappearance and the plains are full of baby impala.
Q. Isn't Botswana very expensive, even in the green season?
Botswana can be one of the most costly safari destinations in Africa, particularly at the top-end. However from November rates can drop significantly, up to 50% in some cases. This means you can get real value for your money in the green season.
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Q. Isn't it true that I won't be able to do water activities such as boat safaris and mokoro trips at this time of year?
The annual flood of the Okavango Delta is at its lowest ebb at this time of year, as it waits for the water to trickle down from the Angolan Highlands once again. But depending on the volume of rainfall, the rain can top up some waterways, meaning mokoro trips are still possible in many places. Certain areas of the Delta have permanent water, so motorboat safaris are also still possible at this time of year provided we pick the right areas.
Q. Is it a good time to visit for photography?
In our opinion, this is an amazing time for photography. The dramatic weather, the ever-changing clouds, the light and the lush foliage all lend themselves to incredibly atmospheric scenes.
Q. But I want to combine a safari to Botswana with another destination - where else can I go at this time of year?
There are plenty of great destinations that would complement a trip to Botswana in the green season. Cape Town and the Western Cape in general would be one of our top picks. It is very easy to add this on with a direct flight between Maun and Cape Town. How about some time on the beach or trekking in the Cederberg Mountains to work off those many high-teas? Alternatively, Victoria Falls still has a certain charm at this time of year even though the flow of the 1700m wide waterfall is not at its strongest. Or if you want something further afield, the Indian Ocean's perfect shores and turquoise waters are waiting via Johannesburg.
Q. Is it a good time to visit for birdwatching?
Absolutely! If a sound were to define this time of year it would be the trill of the woodland kingfisher, one of the many vibrant migrants to Botswana between October and March. Other species to look out for include the iconic southern carmine bee-eaters, the white stork and the Amur falcon.
Q. What are you favourite camps at this time of year?
Kanana Nyana - one of the most anticipated new openings of 2026, this camp is located in the NG27A Concession (Pom Pom Concession) which is very consistent wildlife area throughout the year.
Sediba Sa Rona - located in the Khwai concession in the east of the Okavango Delta it can be a busier area in peak months but in low season it offers one of the best bang for your buck safari areas.
Gomoti Plains Camp - the large expanses of dry land in this part of the southern Okavango Delta support high concentrations of animal throughout the year.
Q. Do you have any example itineraries that would suit this time of year?
Have a look at the following itineraries for a starting point of what to do at this time of year:
7-night Victoria Falls and Botswana Explorer - £3,750 to £6,750 per person, excluding international flights.
9-night Okavango Delta and Kalahari Adventure - £6,500 to £10,100 per person, excluding international flights.
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