When is the best time to visit Botswana?

It’s hard to believe it’s February and here I am just getting started with my first blog post. The year got off with a bang ,with our son James’s wedding to Jess Stewart in Wanaka. It was a wonderful celebration with much fun, laughter and love.

The year is shaping up to be a goodie with travel to Ethiopia as well as returning to our all-time favourite spot in Italy, Tuscany. We have rented another villa among other things, so if you are looking to go to Italy as a couple, with a group of friends or extended family please get in touch. I have found the BEST company that rents incredible villas you won’t find anywhere else.

I am still reeling from the wonderful three-week adventure we had in Botswana last year. We went in May/June which is the most popular time to visit – the dry season. While it is supposedly easier to see the animals with less foliage, I have just read this interesting piece about the advantages of visiting Botswana in the ‘green season.’

Jenman specialises in Safari’s in Botswana and suggests visiting in the ‘green season,’ between late October and April. With precipitation, the arid landscape is transformed into lush greenery. This period is generally considered the low season. However, during these months new life fills the desert plains with a plethora of fantastic experiences. This is what you can expect.

1. Better Wildlife Sightings
With fewer safari jeeps about less noise, visitors will enjoy the full benefit of the vast space and tranquillity during their game viewing excursions. They will also be able to spend more time at a particular location to spot and observe wildlife, including bird migrations, animal births and even some bitter-sweet predator action.

2. Birthing Season
The green season in Botswana is the best time to witness animal births. A precious and sacred time in the circle of life, it is quite the privilege to be able to observe, for example, baby bucks, giraffes and hippos enter the world.

3. Zebra Migration
While the wildebeest migrations continue to dominate the interest of many travellers, very few people know about the zebra migration. A fascinating and spectacular sight, the zebra migration in Botswana is the longest land animal migration in the world, where the herds travel from the north inland towards the Kalahari Desert in search of greener pastures (before heading back during the dry months).

4. Perfect Light
The verdant landscape and pops of colour from desert flowers set against the dramatic stormy skies make for incredible photography. The cleaner and less dusty air also allow for better capture of the scenery’s rich and intense colours.

5. Fewer Crowds
With less people visiting during the green season, visitors will no doubt benefit from the luxury of space and the opportunity to soak up the brilliantly verdant landscape and quiet surrounds during their stays.

6. More for Less
Given the off-season, travellers can take advantage of significantly reduced rates for the many safari packages available, and also stay longer for less. This allows for slow and relaxed travel where they can enjoy a fully immersive and rejuvenating experience.