When to go to Chobe

The question of when to go to Chobe is debatable: there's no consensus on the best time to visit this region of Botswana: it really depends on what you want to see and experience.

Dry Season (May to October)

If you're looking for the easiest and most comfortable time to travel, the dry season, from May to October, is undoubtedly the best time to go to Chobe.

There's very little rain and for the most part the sun shines in a cloudless sky. Daytime temperatures at this time are pleasant although at night it can get surprisingly cold, especially from June to August. The dirt roads are firm and dry although there are a number of sand roads that make the going slow at times.

The dry, thinned out bush at this time means great opportunities for game viewing and birding, not to mention seeing large numbers of animals crowding available water sources. Accordingly, when thinking about when to visit Chobe, remember that tourism reaches its peak in the park at this time with lodges and overland trips usually operating at capacity.

From September the heat and humidity begin to build up and those wishing to travel in October need to be aware that temperatures can reach a blistering 40°C in the shade. However, the late dry season/early rainy season is perhaps the best time to visit Chobe for its wildlife - with the bush being at its driest and sparsest, the game viewing is at its peak, particularly at the Chobe River.

Rainy Season (November to April)

The rainy season from November to April is the most challenging time for a traveller in Chobe: rain tends to fall in heavy and short afternoon downpours and there are often violent thunderstorms. January and February are the wettest months and it is not uncommon for parts of the park to become inaccessible, particularly the clay soil regions in the east and south. Driving the untarred roads can be heavy going and the traveller should expect the unexpected.

However, the rainy season brings life to Chobe in the form of lush new vegetation and migrant birds, not to mention the many baby animals, born to coincide with the rains. The Savuti region of Chobe is particularly impressive at this time.

Rainy season temperatures are quite high - in the early 30's - but the thick, shady vegetation and abundant water make the heat bearable.

One very important point to remember when thinking about the best time to go to Chobe is that the rains herald the arrival of mosquitoes, particularly from January to April (see Health and Safety), and that Chobe lies in a malarial belt.

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