Best time to visit Botswana and Victoria Falls

The best time to visit Botswana and Victoria Falls depends on what you’re looking to experience, but generally speaking, the optimal travel window for both destinations falls between May and October. This period aligns with the dry season in Botswana and the cooler, lower-water months at Victoria Falls, which make for the best overall experiences in terms of wildlife and waterfall views. Here’s a breakdown of the best times for both:

Best Time to Visit Botswana (Safari)

Dry Season (May to October) – Best Time for Safari

• Weather: The dry season in Botswana is from May to October, with cooler temperatures (especially in the mornings and evenings) and little to no rain.
• Wildlife Viewing: This is the best time for game viewing in Botswana. As the water sources dry up, animals are concentrated around the remaining waterholes, making it easier to spot wildlife in places like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Makgadikgadi Pans. You’re likely to see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), along with other species like wild dogs and hippos.
• Best for: Game viewing, elephant sightings (especially in Chobe), and clear skies for photography.
• Crowds: This is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more tourists at popular game reserves. However, if you want the best safari experience, this is the time to go.

Wet Season (November to March) – Best for Birdwatching

• Weather: The wet season spans November to March and brings higher temperatures (up to 40°C / 104°F) and afternoon showers. The lush greenery is beautiful, but it’s also the time when wildlife is more dispersed, as animals spread out to find water.
• Wildlife Viewing: While wildlife is harder to spot, the wet season is excellent for birdwatching as many migratory birds arrive. The landscape is lush, and the smaller animals like antelopes and newborn animals are more common.
• Best for: Birdwatching, landscape photography, and fewer tourists.

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

Dry Season (May to October) – Best for View & Water Flow

• Water Flow: May to October is the best time to visit Victoria Falls because the water flow is still strong after the rainy season, but it’s not too intense, so you can appreciate the falls from the viewing points. By June to August, the falls are at their peak flow from the earlier rains in the region, creating a spectacular display.
• Weather: These months are part of the cooler, dry season in the region, with comfortable temperatures and little to no rain. It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities around the falls.
• Best for: Full flow of the falls, clear skies, and outdoor activities like hiking and helicopter tours.

Low Water Season (November to April) – Best for Activities

• Water Flow: During the rainy season (November to April), the water flow can be lower, especially in October and November, which can sometimes make the falls appear less dramatic. However, the low water season (around October to December) can provide better opportunities for activities like white-water rafting and walking tours along the edge of the falls, which are not possible during the high-water months due to the volume of water.
• Weather: The rainy season can bring warm and humid weather, with occasional thunderstorms.
• Best for: Adventurous activities (like rafting and bungee jumping), as well as fewer tourists and discounted accommodation rates.

Best Time to Visit Both Botswana and Victoria Falls

If you’re looking to visit both Botswana and Victoria Falls on a single trip, the ideal time to go would be from May to October. Here’s why:

• Botswana: This is the dry season, offering the best wildlife viewing in national parks and reserves, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
• Victoria Falls: The falls are also at their most impressive during these months, with high water levels and cooler temperatures perfect for sightseeing and adventure activities.

Summary of Best Time to Visit:

Botswana:

• Best for Safari (Wildlife Viewing): May to October (dry season)
• Best for Birdwatching & Fewer Tourists: November to March (wet season)

Victoria Falls:

• Best for Viewing the Falls: May to October (high water, full flow)
• Best for Adventure Activities (Rafting, Bungee Jumping): November to April (low water, fewer crowds)

Combined Itinerary:

For a combined Botswana and Victoria Falls trip, you can plan a visit in June to August, when both locations offer great experiences:

• Botswana: Excellent for game drives, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
• Victoria Falls: Full flow of the falls, spectacular views, and outdoor activities.

You can easily combine both in a multi-country trip: start with a safari in Botswana, then head to Victoria Falls for a dramatic end to your adventure!