The latest news from Botswana is that the Okavango River water levels remain above normal, and much higher in comparison to the past four years. This is due to excellent rainfall over most of the country and in turn indicates that the floods are going to be very good this year.

This comes as a huge relief to the country, its people and wildlife.

Image and information courtesy of Belmond Safaris.

Aptly named the Green Season, as the rains have arrived, and the bush is lush, many of the mammals are producing their young, birds numbers have increased as large number of migrants have arrived... this is the time to visit Botswana!

Don't be put off by mention of rains - these are generally afternoon or evening showers.. they help cool things down in the hot climate.

The Green Season lasts until March or April and most lodges offer excellent rates and deals for travel at this time...

The water levels of the Delta are affected by: the local rainfall in the various areas of the Delta;
the seasonal rainfall in the Angolan Highlands that feed the Delta

Generally speaking, there are two peaks in water levels: the first is around February, when the localised rains fill the Delta water ways. This is usually followed by a dry period, and the water levels subside until about May, when the flood waters from Angola reach the Delta. These waters continue to push their way south and the southern areas of the Delta often receive the floods as late as July or August.
From late August and September, the region starts to dry out and the water levels in the Delta slowly subside, until next year in February when the local rains start the cycle again.

The Delta never actually dries up completely, as the main channels always have water, but it does restrict the use of boats and mekoro in some areas, due to a combination of water levels, vegetation growth, changes in the Okavango’s channel-structure, and hippo activity, amongst others. These can and do change quickly and unpredictably. 

Temperatures have dropped to their coldest by the end of the month with night temperature reaching as low as 41F. It is very cold on early morning and night drives due to the wind chill. Daytime temperatures rise up to a very comfortable 77 F and dusty dry conditions begin to dominate.

•    The African Wild Dog begins to search for their den. Once they have denned these endangered animals are easy to view for 3 – 4 months as they operate from these dens.

•    Some green bushes and tree persist however, they are beginning to loose their leaves

•    Animals now concentrate at the permanent water as do their predators

•    Pans are dying up everywhere

Courtesy of Belmond Safaris

Of course we believe that Botswana makes for one of the best Safari destinations! Excellent wildlife, unique geography, great people... and knowing that Botswana is quite a seasonal destination (peak season for travel, and therefore increased costs), is generally from July to October), we are really pleased to have a great value offering for the peak season - read more: It's a Steal