The Kalahari Desert covers about 70% of Botswana, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the word. It is home to an abundance of plains game, huge herds of buffalo and plenty of Africa’s apex predators. The magnificent Chobe National Park is a refuge for the world’s biggest population of Kalahari elephants, and the virtually untouched Okavango Delta is a World Heritage Site and arguably one of Nature’s greatest masterpieces – one of Africa’s last remaining Gardens of Eden.
What you pack on your trip to Botswana depends on the season you are planning to visit: Dec – March Rain gear including waterproof jacket and shoes. Mosquito repellent is particularly important during this time of the year. April – May Light clothes for daytime and a jacket for cooler evenings. June – Aug Layers of clothing including warm jacket / fleece or jumper, gloves, socks and a scarf. Sept – Nov Light cotton or linen clothing with natural colours. Light shoes and sandals. Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit. Light jumper for cooler evenings. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are useful for protection from the sun during the day and mosquitoes at night.
The best time to visit Botswana differs according to the region. In general, the dry months from June to October are considered to be the best, as animals tend to rendezvous at the few waterholes and so are particularly easy to observe. April and May are also a great time for Botswana safaris; however, you should expect scattered rain showers. Dec – March Possibility of strong rains in Jan & Feb, some roads in remote areas and national parks may become impassable. High temperatures during the day. April – May End of the rainy season with occasional showers. Lovely weather with fewer clouds and moderate temperatures. June – Aug Chilly mornings and evenings – temperatures at night can drop below freezing point. Pleasantly warm temperatures during the day. Sept – Nov Temperatures begin to rise and get very hot in October. Clear skies.