Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Botswana
Discover the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Botswana, plus the best shoulder season for good weather and lower prices.
Planning a visit to Botswana? Here’s a region-by-region breakdown of the cheapest, most expensive, and best times to visit if you're on a budget but still looking for pleasant weather.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Botswana
The most expensive times coincide with the dry season and peak wildlife viewing months.
- Okavango Delta & Moremi Game Reserve – Dry Season (June to October)
Water levels rise in the delta from June to August, attracting abundant wildlife to the floodplains. Demand for camps and lodges peaks, with some luxury safari accommodations booking a year in advance. - Chobe National Park – Elephant Viewing Season (July to October)
Massive herds gather along the Chobe River during the dry season, drawing both photographers and safari enthusiasts. Prices for lodges in Kasane and river cruises are highest. - Festive Holiday Period (Late December to Early January)
Domestic and regional travelers boost demand, particularly in accessible areas like the Makgadikgadi Pans for the zebra migration.
Cheapest Time to Visit Botswana (Low Season)
The cheapest times fall during the rainy "green season," when tourism is quieter and wildlife is more spread out.
- Nationwide – Green/Wet Season (November to March)
Afternoon showers turn the landscape lush, making it beautiful for photography. However, some dirt roads become difficult to access, and certain lodges close temporarily. Rates for safaris drop significantly, especially in January and February. - Makgadikgadi Pans – Peak Flooding (January to March)
While some access is limited, the zebra and wildebeest migrations are still visible, and accommodations are cheaper compared to dry season.
Best Time to Visit Botswana on a Budget (Shoulder Season)
For good wildlife viewing and lower prices than peak dry season, visit during these transitional months:
- April to May – Rains have ended, roads are more accessible, and wildlife starts gathering near water sources. Prices are lower than June to October.
- Late October to Early November – Just before the rains start, game viewing is excellent and rates are slightly reduced from peak dry-season highs.
Price Summary Table for Botswana Travel
| Time Period & Region | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct (Delta/Chobe) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Peak safari season, best wildlife viewing |
| Jul – Oct (Chobe) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Largest elephant herds along river |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲 High | Holiday travel demand |
| Nov – Mar (Nationwide) | 💲 Lowest | Rainy green season, fewer tourists |
| Jan – Mar (Makgadikgadi) | 💲 Lowest | Wet season with limited access |
| Apr – May | 💲💲 Medium | Shoulder after rains, improving game viewing |
| Late Oct – Early Nov | 💲💲 Medium | Shoulder before rains, good wildlife viewing |
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