The magic of the green season

Explore Botswana at its most vibrant

There is something magical about a safari in Botswana during the green season. From November through March, the land transforms from the dusty browns of the dry months into a lush, thriving landscape where wildlife and flora flourish. Known locally as the rainy season, or “Pula” – meaning rain, blessings, and prosperity – this period is more than just wet weather. It is a time when the wilderness comes alive in ways that make a safari truly unforgettable.

One of the most striking changes during the green season is the landscape itself. Rivers, pans, and floodplains fill with local rainfall, replenishing habitats and turning the savannah into a mosaic of greens and reflective puddles. Riparian forests flourish, providing shelter to birds, small mammals, and elusive predators. 

Even in typically arid regions such as the Makgadikgadi salt pans, the arrival of rain brings a temporary burst of life, attracting migratory birds and awakening dormant vegetation. Although the Okavango Delta’s main annual flood comes from Angola and peaks in July and August, the green season rains still invigorate local channels, lagoons, and seasonal waterholes, creating vibrant habitats for wildlife closer to camps and lodges.

A time of change

Wildlife is equally affected by this seasonal change. The green season is the perfect time to witness new life in the bush. Many plains game species give birth during this period, including impala, zebras and wildebeest, meaning safari-goers can spot babies discovering their surroundings. 

Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and painted wolves (African wild dogs) are drawn to these young animals, making game drives and walking safaris especially exciting. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants also benefit from the increased availability of local water and richer grazing areas.

Birding paradise

Birdlife is another highlight of green season safaris. Botswana becomes a haven for both resident and migratory species. You can expect to see colourful bee-eaters, kingfishers, and glossy starlings, along with elegant waders such as herons and storks feeding in newly formed pans and floodplains. Out on the Makgadikgadi Pans, you'll find lesser and greater flamingos enjoying the temporary wetland the rains produce.

The sound of bird calls fills the air, a constant reminder of the vibrancy of life that the rains bring. For photographers and bird-watchers, the combination of lush greenery, water reflections, and striking colours makes the green season particularly rewarding.

Excellent game viewing

Beyond the visual spectacle, the green season encourages fascinating animal interactions. Elephants enjoy wallowing in muddy puddles, and young impalas and zebras play energetically in the soft grass. Predators take advantage of the abundance of prey, but the thickening vegetation also provides more cover for smaller species, meaning sightings of shy antelopes, mongooses, and ground-dwelling birds are more frequent. 

Observing these small-scale dynamics alongside the dramatic behaviour of larger mammals offers a richer understanding of the interconnectedness of Botswana’s ecosystems.

A season of renewal

Perhaps the most profound aspect of a green season safari is the sense of renewal it offers. Water is life, and in Botswana, the arrival of rain reshapes local ecosystems, energises wildlife, replenishes the land, and creates moments of connection that feel rare and intimate. 

Whether it is watching a lioness teach her cubs to hunt, witnessing a flock of carmine bee-eaters take flight, or spotting a dwarf mongoose family silently moving through the grass, the green season has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

In many ways, green season safaris remind visitors that Botswana is not just a destination to tick off a list but a living, breathing landscape that changes with the seasons. 

A great time to travel

Travelling during this time allows guests to witness the resilience of nature, the cycles of life, and the extraordinary beauty that comes from rain and renewal. It is a chance to experience Botswana at its most vibrant, to feel connected to the rhythms of the wild, and to enjoy a safari that is both active and reflective, exciting yet serene.

For those considering a trip to Botswana, embracing the green season is about more than timing – it is about choosing a journey that celebrates the land in its fullest expression. With lush scenery, newborn wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and the intricate interactions of animals across floodplains and pans, a green season safari is an invitation to witness the soul of Botswana in all its splendour.

Talk to us about creating a tailor-made green season safari just for you.