Africa’s ‘Green Season’, when the regeneration of the vegetation and abundance of new life appears, occurs in late November to the end of March. There are myriad highlights and opportunities for outstanding wildlife-viewing experiences during the Green Season. Botswana, in particular, is one of our favourite safari tour destinations for viewing Africa in all her lush, green glory. The Appeal of Botswana in the Green Season Many in the industry confess that the ‘Green Season’ is their favourite time to visit Botswana. This is because there are fewer tourists and the air is fresh and clear and not dry and dusty. Being so lush, the colour of the African vegetation is also at its most brilliant. The weather, too, reaches brilliant contrasts; it’s magic to watch the unrivalled splendour of the sun setting over the African horizon whilst at the same time listening to the approaching boom of thunder and flashes of brilliance as lightning illuminates the Botswana sky. Wildlife viewing opportunities also abound, with so many more baby animals present during the Green Season. Put simply, the entire area is rejuvenated and alive with new beginnings. The Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans But there are another two significant reasons to visit Botswana during the Green Season. A couple of relatively undiscovered gems in November, and again, from mid-January to March include the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans (salt plains) in Botswana. It’s quite something to witness the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest to and from these unique areas. Photo: Courtesy of Natural Selections. Boteti River crossing The Okavango Delta For the budget conscious or more cash-strapped travellers, visiting the magnificent Okavango Delta is considered to be almost out of reach expense-wise and all too often, those on a budget have to skip this remarkable area entirely. However, you can take advantage of ‘Green Season’ pricing at all Botswana camps during this period. The world-heritage listed Okavango Delta is unparalleled in its uniqueness, being a true example of the flora and fauna co-existing in remarkable unison. Generally, the price of camps to the Okavango Delta, and Botswana in general, cost a fraction of peak season rates (up to 50 percent less). Also, many accommodation lodges feature no single supplement at this time of year. So if the cost of a Botswana safari has been a barrier to you seeing the beauty of the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari, then the Green Season is your ticket to ride. Contact us at Destinations Africa and we will organise the perfect Botswana Green Season itinerary: one with successful and diverse game viewing — all at a fraction of the cost during high season. “The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa — for he has so much to look forward to.” Richard Mullin
