The annual green season takes place between late-October to March/April each year and is called such due to the high levels of rainfall the region experiences. These rains are vital in sustaining the delicate ecosystem of the country. The green season is considered the ‘low season’ for a Botswana safari, which means substantial reductions in safari package prices; great news for travellers on a budget.
The heavy rainfall means new life in Botswana. Most animals give birth during this time, so expect plenty of baby animals exploring their world for the first time. The landscape of Botswana is transformed from arid savannah to lushly greenery. Daily rains and an increase in vegetation might not be ideal for wildlife sightings, but this makes the thrill of a sighting that much more valuable.
Why the green season?
Photographers prefer the green season and for good reason. Lighting is favourable and the opportunity to witness the interaction between predator and prey is a thrilling although often bittersweet.
Accommodation rates are favourable
Birding is excellent at this time of the year as migratory species converge into a flurry of feathers, colours and chirps.
The zebra migration moves towards the Savuti area of the Chobe National Park and offers you a chance to see tens of thousands of animals making their way across the country.
Less crowds and a more intimate safari experience.
Where to stay
Tau Pan Camp, Central Kalahari Game Reserve
You’ll be exploring this incredible area from the Tau Pan Camp, a rustic and isolated semi-mobile camp with luxury facilities and rooms. Spend your two days between exhilarating game drives and cultural walking tours with San guides who know the Central Kalahari Game Reserve by heart. Learn about their fascinating culture and spend your evenings under the clear and starry African sky.
Kwando Kwara Camp, Okavango Delta
Located next to a tranquil lagoon on the Okavango river is Kwando Kwara Camp. The prime positioning of this wooden wonder means panoramic views that stretch over the river. Expect to see plenty of elephants and hippos as you relax on the wooden deck. The stilted rooms are ideal ‘glamping’ spots and visitors rave over the delicious food on offer at the camp. Try a mokoro ride for the first time and experience why this area is a bird watching hotspot, particularly during the green season.
Kwando Lagoon Lodge, Linyanti Wetlands
The Kwando Lagoon Lodge lies at on the banks of the vibrant Kwando river, a hotspot that draws wildlife from the surrounding bush. Cape buffalo are a common sight, as well as lion and other apex predators. The lodge itself is the picture of luxury with stunning wrap-around views of the area. Comfortable and cosy, this thatch and canvas lodge offers suites all with exquisite views over the lagoon.
Camp Kuzuma, Chobe National Park
Located 85 kilometres from Kasane and approximately an hours’ drive from the Kasane airport, Camp Kuzuma offers a unique Botswana Safari experience. Overlooking a regularly frequented waterhole and open plains of the Kazuma Pans, the lodge is situated in the busiest elephant corridor that joins two of the world’s greatest parks: The Chobe National Park in Botswana and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Motswiri Camp, Selinda Game Reserve
Motswiri Camp is enviably located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana and offers horseback safaris, walking trails, boating, mekoro, canoeing, fishing and game drive experiences in one of the country’s most exquisite wildlife areas. It is a small, environmentally sustainable camp with 5 tented suites overlooking the expansive views of this wild utopia. Each tent is elevated on wooden decking, and the canvas structures are airy, naturally and subtly decorated with classic wooden furnishings and comfortable furniture.
San Camp, Makgadikgadi National Park
San Camp is situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remnant of an extinct super lake that once covered most of Botswana. Turn 360° and nothing crosses the eye but the bowl of the sky. Classic white tents stand majestically on the shore of an enormous sparkling salt pan, each sheltered by a cluster of stately desert palms.
Travel tips:
If you’re planning on a self drive, make sure you book a reliable vehicle with car hire South Africa.
Pack a pair of binoculars so that it’s easier to spot wildlife and birds.
Waterproof clothing and equipment is essential, torrential downpours followed by clear skies is very common.
Even though there may be cloud cover, bring along sunscreen as you may still get sunburned.
