Why Experience Botswana's Green Season?

Botswana's green season, spanning from November to April, is an extraordinary time to experience the majestic scenery of the Okavango Delta. While occasional showers are to be expected, the rewards of your journey during this time are well worth it, as you reap the benefits of defying the conventional tourist trail. Discover five compelling reasons why you should consider exploring Botswana during the green season.

1. The transformation of a landscape

Witness the magical transformation of Botswana's arid plains into a stunning green wonderland. The arrival of life-giving summer rains around December rejuvenates the terrain. Lush foliage, full-leafed acacia trees, and vibrant wildflowers burst forth from the earth. Salt pans are transformed into glistening wetlands, teeming with waterbirds and migratory species. The clean, rain-washed air enhances the colours, making this a photographer's paradise.

2. Remarkable wildlife encounters

Botswana's wildlife responds dramatically to the arrival of the rains. Herds of antelope, including impala and red lechwe, take advantage of the newfound greenery to give birth to their young. This phenomenon creates a thrilling spectacle of nature, as predators lurk nearby, waiting for the circle of life to unfold. If you're fascinated by the raw beauty of the animal kingdom, Botswana's green season is an ideal time for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

3. The Okavango Delta's birding spectacle

If you're a bird enthusiast or just appreciate the beauty of these winged creatures, the green season in Botswana will leave you spellbound. As the rains arrive, so do migrant birds from Europe, Asia, and other parts of Africa. Botswana's birdwatching experience elevates from superb to sensational, as rosy throated long claws, kingfishers, wattled cranes, Pel's fishing owls, African skimmers, bee-eaters, rollers, and cuckoos fill the air with their vivid colours and songs. The entire country becomes a haven for birding, with one prime spot being the Okavango Delta. 

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts a dazzling array of bird species during the green season. Migratory European and North African birds descend on the flooded waterways. Thousands of winged termites emerge from their colonies to escape the floodwaters, creating a feeding frenzy that's unparalleled. 

4. A new perspective

Exploring the Delta in a traditional mokoro offers breathtaking views and incredible wildlife sightings. The mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe, is propelled by skilled local guides who gently pole through the tranquil waters of the Delta. This mode of transportation provides a serene and non-intrusive way to navigate the waterways, allowing you to get closer to the wildlife without disrupting their natural behaviour.

As you glide through the water in your mokoro, you'll have a front-row seat to the Delta's breathtaking landscapes. Towering papyrus reeds, crystal-clear channels, and an abundance of water lilies create a mesmerising setting. The green season's vibrant colours and the reflections in the calm waters make for captivating photo opportunities. 

5. A glimpse of wildlife in their element

The green season provides exceptional opportunities to witness wild animals in their element. It's the birthing season in Botswana, and thanks to the abundant rain, young calves and cubs have ample grazing opportunities. This creates an incredible sense of life and vitality in the natural world, and you can be part of the experience. 

From the rejuvenated landscape to the fascinating wildlife and the avian extravaganza, this is an experience that promises memories to last a lifetime.