Botswana Safari in February

Botswana Safari in February

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Lodges and safari experiences haven’t reached their peak this month, so you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation.

Going on a Botswana safari in February is unique. Since calving season occurs in January, you can see animals with their young in February.

Witnessing this is unique as wildlife is presented in a completely different light than you would witness in the dry season.

Weather in February

The rainy weather persists during February but begins to lessen slightly as the month goes on. On the bright side, this time of the year sees 244 hours of sunshine, so you won’t spend your days in Botswana under clouds all the time.

While game viewing improves in some regions, wildlife remains dispersed due to abundant water. This means wildlife only moves around occasionally to find water to drink. However, minimal wildlife presents bird-watching opportunities.

Travelling to Botswana in February definitely has its perks!

Pros

• Warmer weather – although it rains, the heat still hangs around
• Calving season – you’ll be able to see baby animals
• Birding opportunities – bird migrations present opportunities to see a variety of species

Cons

• Wildlife remains dispersed
• Balance of cloudy and sunny days

National Parks to Visit in Botswana and Why

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is generally at its best in the dry season, which runs from April to October.

However, it’s still possible to see animals in this environment, but it will be a lot harder to spot since water levels tend to limit activities.

What to do:

• Walking safaris
• Night game drives
• Mokoro trips

Moremi Game Reserve

The ideal time for wildlife watching is typically the dry season when you can see large concentrations of red lechwe, impala, blue wildebeest, and Burchell’s zebra.

On the other hand, February is the perfect time for a birding safari in Botswana, as the wet season generally instigates bird migration.

Spot birds like the African fish eagle, African skimmer, the green-winged pytilia, and the southern bee-eater.

What to do:

• Game drives
• Dugout canoe trips
• Birding

Nxai Pan National Park

February is one of the best times to visit Nxai Pan National Park. Although it’s not a Big Five safari destination, elephants and lions are present, as are giraffes, impala, springbok, oryx, and red hartebeest.

What to do:

• See the animal migration
• Game drives