December in botswana motivation?

[u/Due_Education4092]

I am heading to botswana with my wife for a self drive safari from December 8-19 for our first trip to Africa. Our trip looks like this: Vic falls->kasane->muncheje->savuti -> hippo pools-> mababe ->nxai pan-> elephant sands back to vic falls.

We are then carrying on to mafia island and then to uganda for a 7 day safari with gorillas/chimps.

Because of work stuff with my wife we kind of Had to go in december, but now I am kind of regretting it. When I booked I did understand that its the rainy season and the game might be less, but I had to cram in alot of driving (which we dont mind) but im worried now we should have just gone to Tanzania as I can barely find any positives reviews for chobe and moremi in december.

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[u/Forsaken_Drummer321]

You will be fine just make sure you plan in advance and have your itinerary planned out with your guide or travel agents. No need to worry. Went to Botswana last December considering going there again this year

[u/Due_Education4092 → u/Forsaken_Drummer321]

Did you see cool stuff?

[u/Botswana_Banana]

The heat might be an issue for you. If you’re sleeping in a rooftop tent I’d recommend getting some little USB fans and a solar battery for them. It will make a big difference!

As for game, you will absolutely see game. Kasane is stacked with game. Savuti will be more challenging that time of year but you will still see all kinds of stuff. Not as easy as the end of the dry season but I guarantee wildness. And if you find a nice waterhole to quietly watch the sun go down, the animals will come to you.

[u/ppheko]

Botswana  is a beautiful  country. To learn basic greetings and culture visit this website  it is very helpful  https://learnsetswanaonline.com. 

[u/Buccoman_21]

It probably won’t rain everyday.it’s also the warm season.

[u/Sunny_Medium_2727]

Last December there was no rain. Looking at how the weather has been this year i wouldnt be surprised that it wont this year either. You might find the animals close to the water holes. Check in with guides closer to your trip dates. 

[u/ethan_r1012]

Well it doesn't rain in December alot as it's summer, but it can rain maybe 2-4 days in December.

[u/Status_Hat_8361]

Hello! The rain entirely depends on what part of the country you are visiting. For example, the Okavango/North West District had rain as early as November last year, but the Ghanzi District didn’t get it until mid-late December. Good news about the rainy season is that it almost reminds me of Florida afternoon rains. Most of the rain is brief, but it may absolutely monsoon when it drops.

You have a fantastic trip planned! I have been to most of these places and I am actually going back to Kasane and Vic Falls in a few months because I enjoyed it so much.

[u/SarahBlueEyesBW]

December/ Rainy Season is my favourite time of the year. The landscape is transformed from dead grass and sand into a lush green oasis. Animals with lots to eat & having babies, wildflowers, epic contrasts of dark skies and lumo green flora. Enjoy it and come in a different season next time to compare. You're not "missing out" - it's just a different time of year in the same place... just be sure to brush up on your 4x4 driving.

[u/tyresmoke]

You'll be hot! It's not the most ideal time to camp in Botswana, but it can be done. Plan for at having 4 Litres of potable water per person per day just to be sure, in case you have heatstroke etc. Best is to do all game viewing at sunrise and sunset, and nap in the daytime under shade. Leaving as early as possible when tenasferring between regions to get a head start before it gets hot is also a good idea. Treat yourself to any lodges woth a pool, you'll thank me later. And lol, no matter how inviting the water looks, don't jump into a river or dam, you never know when Mr. Crocodile will show up.