Botswana Safari in August

Botswana Safari in August

By Antoinette Van Heerden

Safari Travel Planner

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Why visit Botswana in August

August is one of the busiest months in Botswana, coinciding with the European holidays. Although temperatures rise, the weather is usually comfortable, and the nights are generally more relaxed. Mirroring July, August is an excellent time for wildlife watching. However, popular months always mean higher rates and accommodation is booked much quicker.

At this point, wildlife is staying around remaining water sources, so animals are still seen in abundance.

Weather in August

Areas in the Kalahari tend to be hotter than others. Temperatures are extremely low in the morning and evening, so warmer clothes are required when packing for your safari trip in Botswana.

Pros

• Warm weather – no need for extensive layering of clothes for game drives
• Abundant wildlife – as water holes start drying out, wildlife becomes more visible

Cons

• Higher rates – August forms part of the peak season, and as it gets busier, rates usually go up

National Parks to Visit in Botswana and Why

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

August is one of the most popular months to visit Central Kalahari, meaning higher rates will likely apply. During the day, conditions are dry, but the weather is a little cooler in the afternoon than in other parks. However, game life is good all year round; some of the best times to see wildlife range from January through May and September.

What to do:

• Photographic safari
• Game drives

Chobe National Park

Early morning game drives are the perfect time to spot predators like lions and spotted hyenas. The national park houses four of the Big Five—with the rhino absent—and is an excellent destination for birding, particularly for waterbirds.

What to do:

• Birding
• Game drives
• Self-drive safaris

Moremi Game Reserve

July kicks off the peak season, and game life becomes all the more prominent. This month is also best for wildlife viewing, so high season rates will apply. On the other hand, water levels are high, which is a good time for mokoro or dugout canoe trips.

What to do:

• Birding
• Dugout canoe trips
• Game drives