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Africa Geographic Travel
Leopard during the green season in Botswana with Africa Geographic
©Simon Espley

November through to March is Botswana’s green season, a time where the country is blessed with much needed rainfall following a long dry season. To locals it is also known as the “secret season”, a unique time of year to visit which many visitors are simply unaware of.

Here are a few reasons why Botswana should be top of your list for a last minute holiday:

Birthing season

Many young are born during green season, due to the plentiful grazing around them. This allows for unique sightings of little ones finding their feet for the first time, fiercely protected by their mothers and the herd. Of course with babies around, there are predators not far behind, which can lead to spectacular (if stressful) encounters.

Botswana green season with Africa Geographic
Affordability

Many lodges offer special offers or SADC rates during green season, making the destination up to 50% cheaper than the busy peak season. Take advantage of ‘stay/pay’ promotions as well as value added deals.

Peace and quiet

Say goodbye to pushing and shoving amongst other game drive vehicles to get a glimpse of a leopard. Green season is also quiet season, a time when there are fewer people, allowing the tourist a much more exclusive and personal safari.

Botswana with Africa Geographic during the green seasonMigrations, birds and the small things

Many migratory birds arrive in Botswana during green season, making the country a birder’s haven. Green season is also the time for wildlife migrations, as animals move to take advantage of mineral-rich grazing. It is this time of year you may witness hundreds of zebra on the usually dry Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The Kalahari also blooms with life, attracting antelope and zebras in their masses. This is also the time when you will notice chameleons, tortoises, frogs and other small creatures as they take advantage of the rains.

Chameleon on green season safari in Botswana with Africa Geographic
©Simon Espley

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Africa Geographic Travel
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