Wildlife in August.
Almost every inland water source has gone, so animals concentrate on the rivers, the Delta’s channels and a few permanent waterholes. Big herds of elephant and buffalo come down to the Chobe and Linyanti to drink every afternoon, and lion, leopard and wild dog are at their easiest to find.
Late in the month, the first carmine bee-eaters return to nest in the riverbanks, one of the great sights of the dry season.
Where to go in Botswana in August.
Chobe riverfront
The elephant herds build through August. See Kasane, the base for the riverfront.
Linyanti and Savuti
Elephant at the river and lions at Savuti. See Savuti.
Okavango Delta and Moremi
Water still high, and excellent predator viewing. See the Okavango Delta.
August weather in Botswana.
| Average high | 29°C |
|---|---|
| Average low | 8°C |
| Average rainfall | Dry |
| Season | Peak season |
Dry, sunny and warming through the month. Mornings are cool rather than cold, and afternoons reach the high twenties. There is little wind and almost no cloud.
Figures are long-term averages for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. See the full climate table.
Prices, crowds and booking.
August carries the highest rates of the year and the strongest demand. The best camps fill twelve to eighteen months ahead. If you are flexible, late June or September gives much of the same experience.
What to pack for August.
Layers: a warm jacket for the first hour of a morning drive, then light clothes. Good sun protection, and a dust scarf for open vehicles.
Our packing guide has the full checklist and the soft-bag rules for light aircraft.
Journeys that suit August.
- The Great Okavango: 10 days by light aircraft: Delta water, floodplain, Linyanti and Savuti.
- Chobe Introduction: 4 days on the Chobe riverfront from Kasane.
- The Grand Botswana: 14 days, private and exclusive-use, every major ecosystem.
Every journey is a private departure and can start on any day. We adjust the route to the month you travel.
