Beyond the narrow eastern corridor where the majority of the population is concentrated, Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. Skinflints and softies beware: this remains a destination for the intrepid, well-heeled traveller. Read the overview

Pictures

Inspiration

Climate

Overview

Although it straddles the Tropic of Capricorn, Botswana experiences extremes in temperature. Days are normally clear, warm and sunny, but nights range from cool to bitterly cold in autumn and winter which runs from March to August.

With the Kalahari Desert cleaving through most of Botswana, the northern and eastern outskirts of the country offer the friendliest climates. Most of the year in these parts sees maximum temperatures range between 25°C (77°F) and 32°C (90°F) except for a slight drop during the more chilly months of May to September. Days are normally clear, warm and sunny, but nights range from cool to bitterly cold. The heat and humidity from October to April can become quite uncomfortable during this moderate rainy season.

Botswana is primarily a dry country, but a summer rainy season lasts roughly from November to March. From late May to August, rain is rare anywhere in the country.