Things to Do in Botswana in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Botswana
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak green season transforms the landscape - December sits right in the middle of Botswana's summer rains, meaning the Kalahari blooms with wildflowers, the salt pans fill with water, and migratory birds arrive by the thousands. The Okavango Delta swells to its fullest extent, creating channels and lagoons that weren't accessible during the dry months.
- Baby animal season across the country - Most antelope species give birth during the rains, which means December brings newborn springbok, impala, and wildebeest. Predators follow the nurseries, so you'll see lions, cheetahs, and leopards actively hunting. Bird breeding season also peaks now, with spectacular displays of mating rituals and nest-building.
- Dramatically lower prices and smaller crowds - December falls in Botswana's low season, so you'll find lodge rates 30-50% cheaper than July peak season prices. You might have entire game drives to yourself, and booking flexibility is much better. Worth noting that Christmas week (December 20-27) sees a small spike, but early and mid-December are genuinely quiet.
- Afternoon storms create incredible photography light - The build-up of clouds throughout the day, followed by dramatic thunderstorms around 3-5pm, produces some of the most spectacular skies you'll see anywhere in Africa. That golden hour light filtering through storm clouds over the delta or pans is genuinely special, and the post-rain clarity makes for stunning sunset shots.
Considerations
- Vegetation makes wildlife harder to spot - All that lush greenery that makes December beautiful also means animals can hide more easily. The thick bush and tall grass reduce visibility, and game viewing requires more patience and skill from your guide. You'll still see plenty of wildlife, but it's not the concentrated waterhole action of the dry season.
- Afternoon rains disrupt daily schedules - Those thunderstorms are fairly predictable but they do mean cutting game drives short around 3pm most days. Some lodges adjust by offering longer morning drives and evening activities, but you're essentially losing 2-3 hours of prime viewing time daily. The storms themselves usually last 30-60 minutes, though occasionally you'll get an all-afternoon soaker.
- Heat and humidity can be draining - Daytime temperatures regularly hit 30-35°C (86-95°F) with that 70% humidity, which feels oppressive if you're not accustomed to it. Mornings are pleasant, but midday heat makes walking safaris genuinely uncomfortable. You'll need to pace yourself and stay hydrated - this isn't the month for ambitious overland camping trips.
Best Activities in December
Okavango Delta mokoro excursions and water-based safaris
December is actually one of the best months for experiencing the delta by traditional mokoro canoe, despite being low season. Water levels are rising but channels are still navigable, and you get the best of both worlds - accessible waterways plus incredible birdlife. The papyrus is bright green, water lilies are flowering, and you'll glide past breeding colonies of herons, egrets, and jacanas. The afternoon rains usually hold off until you're back at camp. Hippos are more active in the cooler morning water, and the lack of crowds means you can spend an hour watching a malachite kingfisher without another boat in sight.
Makgadikgadi Pans flamingo viewing and quad biking
When the rains fill the pans in December, tens of thousands of flamingos migrate here to breed - it's one of southern Africa's great natural spectacles that most people never see because they visit in dry season. The vast white salt flats become shallow lakes dotted with pink, and you can walk right to the water's edge. The surrounding grasslands green up and attract massive zebra and wildebeest herds. Quad biking across the pans is spectacular now because the hard salt crust is still firm enough to ride on, but you're surrounded by water and wildlife. The contrast between the white salt, blue sky, pink flamingos, and storm clouds is genuinely stunning.
Chobe River boat safaris and elephant watching
December is actually underrated for Chobe despite being green season. Yes, elephants disperse from the riverfront because water is available inland, but the herds that do come to the river are more relaxed and natural in their behavior without the dry-season crowds. You'll see breeding herds with tiny calves learning to swim, and the birdlife is absolutely exceptional - African skimmers, carmine bee-eaters nesting in the banks, and fish eagles everywhere. Boat safaris in the cooler morning air with storm clouds building overhead have a completely different atmosphere than the dusty dry season experience. Hippos are more visible in the higher water levels.
Central Kalahari predator tracking and stargazing
The Central Kalahari in December offers something completely different from the typical Botswana safari. The desert transforms into grassland, and this is when the black-maned Kalahari lions are most active, following the antelope herds. Cheetahs thrive here during green season because visibility is still decent and prey is abundant. The real magic is the isolation - you might not see another vehicle for days. Night drives under December's clear skies (between storm systems) reveal some of the darkest skies on Earth. The San communities around the park offer cultural walks explaining how they navigate and survive in this landscape during the rains.
Moremi Game Reserve walking safaris and bush skills
Walking safaris in Moremi during December might sound counterintuitive with the thick vegetation, but it's actually when you learn the most about the bush. Guides focus on tracking skills, reading animal signs in the mud, identifying plants that animals feed on, and understanding the ecosystem rather than just spotting big game. The cooler morning temperatures make walking comfortable until about 10am, and you'll encounter far more interesting insects, reptiles, and smaller creatures during the rains. Some camps offer bush skills courses teaching fire-making, shelter-building, and navigation using techniques adapted from local communities.
Gaborone and Maun cultural experiences and craft markets
Most people rush through Botswana's towns to get to the wildlife, but December is actually a good time to spend a day or two experiencing urban Botswana. Gaborone's craft markets are vibrant with holiday preparations, and you'll find locally-made baskets, textiles, and jewelry at better prices than lodge gift shops. The National Museum has excellent exhibits on San culture and Botswana's history. Maun, the gateway to the delta, has a lively atmosphere in December with locals returning home for the holidays. The crocodile farm outside Maun offers surprisingly interesting tours, and the Nhabe Museum covers the region's cultural heritage. Evening temperatures are pleasant for walking around town.
December Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival
Botswana's premier performing arts festival typically runs for 10 days in late November through early December in Gaborone. You'll see theater productions, traditional dance performances, contemporary music, and poetry readings showcasing both established and emerging Botswana artists. The festival has a genuine local atmosphere rather than being tourist-oriented, which makes it fascinating if you're interested in contemporary African arts. Venues include the Maitisong Theatre and outdoor stages around the city. Evening performances start around 7pm, and tickets are remarkably affordable at 50-150 Pula.
School holidays and festive season preparations
Botswana's school holidays run from mid-December through mid-January, which means locals travel during this period. It's not an organized event, but it creates a noticeably different atmosphere - families visiting relatives in rural areas, increased activity in towns and villages, and a general festive energy. Markets stock up on holiday goods, and you'll see more social gatherings and celebrations. The week of December 20-27 sees the most movement, with Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) being major public holidays when most businesses close.