I will be in SA on business mid January and would like to arrange a safari in SA or Botswana. I've been told by one tour operator to not go to Botswana in January as its the rainy season and to go to SA instead. I've heard wonderful things about Botswana and will be disappointed not to do a safari there. Any suggestions for this time frame? Many thanks.

I went to Botswana in February of this year. It was their wettest rainy season in 20 years and I don't think I'd go again in the rainy season. The year before, it was much drier. The point is that you can't predict what the weather will be. The wildlife tends to disappear in the Bush during the rainy season, as they don't have to come to waterholes and rivers for water. Also, your access can be limited due to road conditions. Keeping camera equipment dry during a driving rainstorm is difficult. The grass is quite high at this time of year and it's difficult to see the game; it's nice and green for photos, though. We also went to the Sabi Sands area. It showered there, as well, but wasn't quite as wet. Cape Town was really nice, as they have a more Mediterranean climate at that time of year. I've got some photos of that trip at http://sharontaylor.smugmug.com.

I go to the Sabi Sand every January or February.

It often rains on one or two days out of seven (though it could rain for longer, you never know).

However it is usually pretty warm, and so you are wearing shorts under the rain suits provided and while wet, its never too uncomfortable, and we stay out in it. As for camera gear, we use black plastic bags and use to cover our camera bags, which are waterproof. The two layers are enough. On really bad days in the past we didn't even take them out of the room.

The nice thing about Mala Mala and other SSGR lodges is that when you get back, the room is warm, and you can usually get your clothes dried pretty quick.

I wouldn't be put off, but if the rain is a concern I would recommend SSGR and Mala Mala over Botswana from a comfort point of view.

Kayentagal,

I have been on safari in the rainy season to Bots. I did see plenty of game. You will only miss the large elephant and buffalo herds.

The main problem (more than weather conditions or game) would be your ability to get reservations at such short notice at some of the better camps of either Wilderness safaris or Kwando. There are other companies in Bots, but, i have never been to any of them......

Hari

I had a tremendous safari in Botswana in January 2003, dates were approximately Jan. 8 - 18th. It rained only once for two hours late in the p.m. Grass was a wonderful green but at that time of year still fairly short in length, and all areas were accessible as water levels typically are very low since the dry season will have just recently ended. I would not hesitate to go to Botswana at that time -- midday heat is up there but mornings and evenings were very pleasant.

As Hari says availablity could be tight on late notice as Botswana has certainly grown in popularity but all three camps I went to were far from full -- at Duba Plains there were never more than 4 of us and half my drives ended up being just us, even at Mombo we ended up with our own vehicle for all but one drive. That was another big plus as the camps were not near capacity. Of course crowds and weather could be different this year but I thought it was a great time to go.

Thanks for all your responses. This is very helpful. I will see what is available and press on for Botswana.