Wildlife in December.
Most antelope have given birth by December, so the bush is full of young impala, tsessebe and wildebeest, and the predators are busy. The zebra and wildebeest arrive on the pans with the rain, followed by lions and cheetah.
Migrant birds are present in large numbers, and many residents are breeding. In the Delta, game is more dispersed and the vegetation is thick, but you share sightings with very few vehicles.
Where to go in Botswana in December.
The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan
The zebra migration arrives with the rain. See the Kalahari and the pans.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The start of its best season, December to April. See the Central Kalahari.
The Okavango Delta and private concessions
Newborn animals and quiet camps. See the Okavango Delta.
December weather in Botswana.
| Average high | 32°C |
|---|---|
| Average low | 19°C |
| Average rainfall | About 90mm, mostly afternoon storms |
| Season | Green season |
Hot and humid, with storms building most afternoons and warm nights. The landscape turns green within days of the first good rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Maun, the gateway to the Delta. See the full climate table.
Prices, crowds and booking.
Early December has green-season rates, among the lowest of the year. From around 20 December to early January, festive pricing and minimum stays apply, and those dates need booking well ahead.
What to pack for December.
Light, breathable clothes, a rain jacket, and good insect repellent. Take antimalarial advice, especially for children.
Our packing guide has the full checklist and the soft-bag rules for light aircraft.
Journeys that suit December.
- The Zebra Migration: 6 days on the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan, December to March only.
- Kalahari & Meerkats: 5 days in the Central Kalahari and on the pans.
- Delta & Desert: 7 days: the Okavango, Moremi and the Kalahari, at any level.
Every journey is a private departure and can start on any day. We adjust the route to the month you travel.
