Every year, wildlife enthusiasts, avid birders and photographers eager to capture the best shot head to Southern Africa for the ultimate holiday – a dry season safari in Botswana.
Bee-eaters in the Okavango Delta © Desert & Delta Safaris
Botswana’s dry season takes place from May to September, the effects of which are most prominent in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The Okavango River floods into the delta from March to June every year, bringing life to the surrounding plains and the wildlife they support.
With rainfall levels being less than normal this year, 2019 looks to be a particularly dry year. This restricts water-based activities in areas without permanent water, with only a handful of safari camps in these areas offering mokoro and boat rides. The flipside to this is that the game-viewing period has started earlier and is heightened as large numbers of wildlife concentrates around the limited water sources and less vegetation means less places for animals to hide and feed in.
If you are planning a dry season safari in Botswana this year, here is a list of the camps that will likely include land- and water-based activities:
Okavango Delta
Splash Camp in the Kwara Reserve © Kwando Safaris
In the heart of the Okavango Delta is the Kwara Reserve, a highly productive and private wildlife haven where you will find Splash Camp, the latest addition to Kwando Safaris. The reserve borders the Moremi Game Reserve, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities and with its winding water channels dotted with small islands, it is a paradise for water birds. Splash Camp consists of 10 contemporary en-suite tents each with indoor and outdoor showers and private deck that offers vast delta views.
Lagoon Camp in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve © Kwando Safaris
Nestled into the banks of the Kwando River, Lagoon Camp is a favourite for travellers to the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Every day, hippos and elephants take to the water in front of the camp, which make for great entertainment from the comfort of the shared lounge, dining and pool area. A special sighting is the pack of wild dogs that regularly den near camp. This Kwando Safaris’ camp consists of eight en-suite tents with indoor and outdoor showers and a gorgeous bathtub with spectacular views.
Mopiri Camp and Fly Camp in the Okavango Panhandle © Mopiri Camp
Mopiri Camp set on the banks of the Weboro Lagoon in north-western Okavango Delta, Mopiri offers a fantastic water camp experience. The main camp has seven spacious en-suite tents connected by long winding board walks, which allow for exploration of the little island on which the camp sits. Guests are also given the opportunity to camp outdoors overnight in a comfortable tent to experience a real bush adventure. Althought it a little more rustic than the main camp, guests at the Fly Camp can still enjoy a three-course meal and a fully-equipped tent.
Moremi Game Reserve
Camp Moremi in the Moremi Game Reserve © Desert & Delta Safaris
As its name suggests, Camp Moremi is in the Moremi Game Reserve, famous for its rich and diverse populations of animal, bird and plant life. This well-apppointed camp by Desert and Delta Safaris delivers the classic luxury safari experience in Botswana and its position next to the Xakanaxa Lagoon guarantees great opportunities to sight game passing by camp. The camp is made up of 12 thatched tents that include a private viewing deck and an en-suite bathroom equipped with double vanities and showers.
Camp Xakanaxa in the Moremi Game Reserve © Desert & Delta Safaris
Another gem by Desert and Delta Safaris is Camp Xakanaxa found next to the Khwai River along the Xakanaxa Lagoon, making this an ideal spot for both water- and land-based activities in the Moremi Game Reserve. Camp Xakanaxa Camp consists of 12 canvas, Meru-style tents that create an authentic and luxurious safari experience in Botswana. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom along with private deck from which to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Okuti Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve © Ker & Downey Safaris
Ker and Downey in Botswana offers Okuti Camp to travellers visiting Moremi Game Reserve that wish to enjoy world-class luxury whilst on safari in Botswana. This stunning camp lies along the Maunachira River, which like the other riverside camps, ensures fantastic birding and game-viewing throughout the day. The camp is made up of five large reed houses that are all equipped with full en-suite bathroom facilities, including indoor and outdoor showers.
Contact us for further information about dry season safaris or wet season safaris in Botswana and we will help you choose the best season for your interests, budget and travelling style.
Feature image courtesy of Desert and Delta Safaris.
