Things to Do in Botswana in August

August Weather in Botswana

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing season - animals congregate around water sources making game drives 40-60% more productive than wet season
Dry season road conditions allow access to remote areas like northern Chobe and deep Kalahari that become impassable during rains
Clear skies and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for night sky photography and astronomy - Kalahari has some of Africa's darkest skies
Moderate daytime temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F) make walking safaris and cultural activities comfortable throughout the day

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation rates increase 30-50% compared to shoulder months and advance booking 4-6 months required
Vegetation is sparse and landscapes appear brown and dusty - not ideal for scenic photography compared to green season
Popular areas like Moremi and Central Kalahari experience higher vehicle traffic, reducing the wilderness experience

Best Activities in August

Okavango Delta Mokoro Expeditions

August offers optimal water levels in the Delta as seasonal floods from Angola reach peak distribution. Wildlife concentrates along permanent channels while water is deep enough for comfortable mokoro navigation. Temperatures are perfect for multi-day camping expeditions without extreme heat or heavy rains interrupting travel.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 months ahead as this is peak season. Multi-day expeditions typically cost $400-800 per person per day including meals and camping gear. Look for operators with experienced polers and proper camping equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chobe National Park Game Drives

August represents the pinnacle of game viewing as the dry season forces wildlife to concentrate around the Chobe River. Elephant herds of 200+ animals are common, and predator activity peaks as hunting becomes easier. Early morning drives (6-9am) and late afternoon drives (3-6pm) offer the best wildlife encounters in comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Kasane cost $80-150 per person. Multi-day packages with accommodation range $300-600 per day. Book through established operators with open-sided vehicles for optimal viewing. Current tour availability shown in booking widget below.

Central Kalahari Desert Expeditions

August dry conditions make remote areas accessible while temperatures remain manageable for desert exploration. This is prime time for tracking desert-adapted species like brown hyena and black-maned lions. The sparse vegetation reveals ancient baobab trees and fossil river valleys typically hidden during green season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day camping expeditions cost $350-600 per person per day. Requires 4x4 vehicles and experienced guides due to remote location. Self-drive requires GPS navigation and emergency communication. Check current guided options in booking section below.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Stargazing

August's dry, clear skies and minimal light pollution create world-class conditions for astronomy. The vast salt pans offer 360-degree horizon views perfect for Milky Way photography. Temperatures drop to comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) at night, ideal for extended stargazing sessions without the summer heat.

Booking Tip: Overnight camping experiences cost $200-400 per person including meals and basic accommodation. Photography workshops range $300-500. Book with operators providing professional telescopes and astronomy guides. See current stargazing tours in booking widget below.

Moremi Game Reserve Walking Safaris

August's moderate temperatures and reduced vegetation provide optimal conditions for guided walking safaris. Wildlife tracking is easier on dry ground, and comfortable daytime temperatures 22-25°C (72-77°F) allow for 3-4 hour walks without heat exhaustion risks common in hot season.

Booking Tip: Half-day walks cost $100-200 per person, full-day expeditions $250-400. Requires qualified armed guides and groups limited to 6-8 people. Book through licensed operators with emergency communication systems. Current walking safari options available in booking section below.

Kalahari Cultural Village Visits

August's pleasant weather makes cultural interactions comfortable for both visitors and local communities. Traditional activities like bushman tracking demonstrations and traditional craft workshops are best experienced in moderate temperatures. This is also when many communities prepare for the upcoming planting season, offering insight into traditional agricultural practices.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural visits cost $50-120 per person, overnight stays $150-300. Look for community-run initiatives that directly benefit local families. Multi-day cultural immersion programs range $200-400 per day. Check current cultural tour options in booking widget below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Maitisong Festival

Botswana's premier arts festival featuring traditional music, dance, theater, and contemporary performances. Local and international artists showcase work across multiple venues in Gaborone, offering authentic cultural experiences beyond wildlife tourism.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) at dawn to 25°C (77°F) midday requiring multiple layers

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off salt pans intensifies exposure

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - desert nights can drop unexpectedly cold even in August

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days on average lasting 30-45 minutes

Dust masks or bandanas - dry season creates significant dust clouds during game drives

Binoculars 8x42 minimum - dry season wildlife viewing requires distance observation as animals are more skittish

Power bank and solar charger - remote camps often have limited electricity and devices drain faster in dry air

Closed-toe shoes for walking safaris plus sandals for camp - acacia thorns and rocky terrain require foot protection

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - tsetse flies remain active in riverine areas despite dry conditions

Headlamp with extra batteries - early morning game drives start before sunrise and quality of light affects wildlife photography

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by March 2025 - August is peak season and top camps sell out 4-6 months ahead, especially in Okavango Delta where capacity is limited by environmental regulations

Plan game drives for 6-9am and 3-6pm - midday temperatures and animal behavior make 10am-3pm largely unproductive for wildlife viewing, use this time for cultural activities or rest

Bring US dollars in small denominations printed after 2013 - many remote areas don't accept cards and older bills are rejected due to counterfeiting concerns, $20 bills preferred over larger denominations

Pack extra memory cards and batteries - dry air creates static electricity that can damage electronics, and remote locations lack replacement options for camera equipment

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature variations - many visitors pack only for warm weather and suffer during cold early morning game drives when temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F)

Booking accommodation too late - by May 2025, prime locations will be fully booked as August represents absolute peak season for wildlife viewing

Overpacking formal clothing - even upscale safari camps maintain casual dress codes, and laundry services are limited in remote areas making excessive clothing impractical