Botswana Safari in January

Botswana Safari in January

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Botswana, home to the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, offers a unique safari experience. While not the peak season, the rainy season offers a unique perspective, revealing sights unseen during drier months.

While wildlife sightings may be less frequent in January, it’s an ideal time for birdwatching and observing smaller game.

Weather in January

Expect lush, green landscapes as well as occasional thundershowers. Although it’s considered a wet month, the temperatures are often hot, with the rains allowing a cooling period.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the conditions offer stunning photographic opportunities. You won’t need to layer clothes for your safari experience; lightweight clothing will usually suffice.

Pros

• More accommodation options – wet weather coincides with low season
• Photography opportunities – rainy weather presents an opportunity for dramatic photography
• Warm weather – although the weather is relatively wet, the temperature remains hot

Con

• Scattered wildlife – when the rain is present, animals don’t need to move around as much for water sources

National Parks to Visit in Botswana and Why

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

While game life viewing isn’t abundant in January, the Central Kalahari Desert can be stunning.

It’s a destination that isn’t visited often and offers the opportunity to see black-maned lions.

What to do:

• Game drives – see unique wildlife

Makgadikgadi Pans

During the wet season, you are likely to see many bird species.

January is the best time to see flocks of flamingos gathering around the Makgadikgadi Pans.

However, you may not see large numbers of wildlife during this time, as the wet season generally means that animals are dispersed.

Although some wildlife is more challenging to see, it’s an exciting time to witness the zebra migration.

What to do:

• Game drives – see the zebra migration

Nxai Pan National Park

The stunning desert scenery of Nxai Pan National Park becomes animated after the summer rain season, when zebras and wildebeest come to feast on the lush green grass.

Peak season here spans December to March, so higher rates will apply. However, the park seldom gets busy, so you won’t have to experience mass crowds.

What to do:

• Birding
• Game drives