While you may have heard that Botswana in January is a period marked by a lot of rain, that shouldn’t prevent you from visiting either. Read on to find out why!
Welcome Rains
After the hot and dry season, November to March is what is known as the “Green Season” when welcome rains nourish the parched landscapes. During this period, January is when some of the most rainfall of the year can be experienced; that said, it may not rain every day while downpours are usually in the latter part of the afternoon. The average daily temperature ranges from 30°C to 35°C, and it does get cooler at night.
Off-Season Travel
Because of the rain, January is part of the off-season which offers perks for travellers too. For starters, accommodation rates will be cheaper including at hotels in Gaborone, Botswana, while there will be fewer crowds at attractions and game reserves. An ideal choice would be to stay at properties like Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino that are not only within easy reach of popular sites but also have onsite leisure and entertainment options; these include a spa, gym, and casino, so you will never get bored even when it rains!
Birdwatching
The off-season including January also happens to be one of the best times to enjoy birdwatching, which is one of the most captivating things to do in Botswana. During this time, the breeding plumage can be seen in many birds while the landscapes become lush with greenery which adds to the allure of this activity. Highlights include seeing the black-breasted snake eagle, flamingos, pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers and more.
Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife sightings in January are not as high as in the dry season, though you can still catch sight of animals, while the parks will be quieter with fewer visitors during this time. Due to the rains, some roads can become impassable so check ahead. In places like the Makgadikgadi Pans and Central Kalahari, the downpours will draw sizable grazing herds which in turn attract predators too. Added to this would be the verdant backdrops sometimes with stunning thunderclouds in the distance, offering some truly memorable photographs as well.
