The sun blazes relentlessly. Even the air’s moisture cannot escape the season’s heat. A great, grey matriarch draws a dry breath and sweeps her lashes to clear the persistent dust.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
A young calf gnaws at her teat, wining as mom’s milk asks for water, too. Her herd gazes at her longingly as if hoping she can conjure rain with a mere command.
In an elephant’s prayer, she lifts one leg off the ground to press her stabilising foot even harder into the sunbaked Earth. She’s listening for the sounds of a storm.
Her attention narrows on the sensitive nerve endings and fatty pads in her feet, which—to her relief—detect vibrations from hundreds of kilometres away. Not just any vibrations, storm signals. Rain is on its way.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
AUGUST TO OCTOBER
During this time in Botswana, the climate is hot, dry, and challenging for all resident species. For game viewers, this is a window for incredible action.
Herbivores noticeably weaken and carnivores thrive. For many antelope, these are their final days, while for lions and other predators, it’s a time to harness their strength.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
Location: Chobe Riverfront
As the need for sustenance grows, many animals converge around the remaining permanent water sources.
Elephant herds flock to the Chobe Riverfront and tension rises among them. They trumpet impatiently at waterholes, digging and kicking at the dirt as if urging the water to persist.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
Meanwhile, an increasing number of birds gather, creating a spectacle that’s a delight for birdwatchers. Forward-thinking Carmine Bee-eaters return for the summer to prepare their unique nests for the upcoming breeding season. Beneath the surface, barbel (catfish) begin congregating.
This flutter of activity contrasts with the prevailing conditions, but the wild knows what’s coming—hopefully sooner rather than later.
Mother Nature is extreme, however, she is not inconsiderate. She’ll take her residents to the brink, as if testing all life, before showering the region with relief.
NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER
Perhaps an elephant’s prayers were answered because come late-November, the rain is set to fall. The dry season, marked by hunting, feeding, and intense activity, gives way to a time of serenity, renewal, and abundance.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
This is the beginning of Green Season, or Secret Season, as it is fondly referred to. Although animals disperse and are less concentrated around permanent water sources, this period in Botswana is not to be missed. Life and activity gain new significance, and the landscape is at its most verdant.
Animals scatter to graze on fresh vegetation and drink from seasonal pans. The birthing season kicks off with the tsessebe, followed by impala and lechwe.
Location: Chobe Riverfront
Predators, drawn to the vulnerable young, hunt frequently to satisfy their hunger, although the playing field is evened as the landscape no longer camouflages their coats.
All the migratory birds have arrived, making birdwatching exceptional. Meanwhile, the Okavango Delta’s iconic Barbel Run is in full swing, marking a mind-blowing experience for anglers.
Location: Okavango Delta
Location: Chobe Riverfront
Temperatures have generally cooled, perfect for cosy evenings around a fire, though the days remain comfortably warm. This season, much like an elephant stabilising its weight as it listens for a storm, is beautifully balanced.
A kaleidoscope of colours, dramatic skies and lightning at night all add to the magic of this spectacular window.
EXPERIENCE IT
If you’re hoping to experience the best of the Chobe and Okavango Delta regions this Green Season, consider our six-night, seven-day Chobe & Delta Green Season Discovery Itinerary.
This package features two distinctly different regions: the Chobe Riverfront, with Chobe Game Lodge, and the Okavango Delta, with Camp Okavango. Chobe Game Lodge provides an exceptional Chobe River safari experience within Chobe National Park, while Camp Okavango offers a genuine and immersive experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Location: Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta
Location: Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe Riverfront
WHY CHOBE GAME LODGE?
The Chobe Riverfront region is renowned as one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. Home to the largest population of elephants on the planet, Chobe National Park is also a well-known sanctuary for predators and stands out as one of Botswana’s most dependable year-round game viewing locations.
Chobe Game Lodge enhances the experience with its fleet of electric vehicles and boats, offering land and water activities for the ultimate game viewing. Additionally, the vibrant summer birdlife in the area attracts bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Chobe Game Lodge’s Family Suite
Chobe Game Lodge’s Honeymoon Suite
WHY CAMP OKAVANGO?
Camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta can experience dramatic changes throughout the year, with the Green Season providing a markedly different experience due to the receding floodwaters.
Camp Okavango, situated on a private concession in the heart of the delta, offers exceptional water-based activities year-round. It is ideally positioned to explore the deep waters, lagoons, and channels of the delta.
Guided bush walks on the surrounding islands provide a unique perspective and the chance to observe abundant wildlife up close. Additionally, consider booking a scenic helicopter flight to capture the expansive beauty of the Okavango Delta from above.
Camp Okavango Guest Room
Camp Okavango Family Room