Things to Do in Botswana in December

December Weather in Botswana

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Green season transforms landscapes - Okavango Delta reaches maximum flood levels by late December, creating spectacular wildlife viewing corridors and bird breeding displays with over 400 species active
Newborn wildlife season - December marks peak calving for zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes, with predator activity at its highest as lions and leopards follow herds
Fewer crowds and 30-40% lower accommodation rates compared to dry season peak (May-October), with luxury lodges offering 'green season' packages typically 40% below peak pricing
Dramatic storm photography opportunities - late afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular cloud formations and lightning displays, perfect for photographers seeking dynamic African skies

Considerations

Unpredictable road conditions - gravel roads in Chobe and Central Kalahari can become impassable after heavy rains, requiring 4WD vehicles and potential itinerary changes with 48-hour notice
Dense vegetation reduces game visibility - thick foliage from rains makes spotting animals more challenging, particularly smaller species, though elephants and buffalo remain easily visible
Afternoon thunderstorms interrupt activities - 60% chance of 1-2 hour storms between 2-5pm daily, forcing indoor shelter and occasional flight delays at smaller airstrips

Best Activities in December

Okavango Delta Mokoro and Motorboat Safaris

December offers peak water levels in the Delta channels, allowing access to remote areas unreachable during dry months. Floodplains teem with waterbirds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and breeding herons. Morning mokoro trips (6-9am) avoid afternoon storms while afternoon motorboat excursions capture dramatic storm-light photography. Water temperature averages 24°C (75°F), perfect for occasional swimming stops.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators 14-21 days ahead as helicopter transfers may be weather-dependent. Expect rates of $400-600 per person daily including meals. Choose operators with covered motorboats for storm protection. Multi-day packages offer better value than day trips.

Chobe National Park Elephant Encounters

December brings the world's largest elephant population to Chobe riverfront as inland water sources dry up. Herds of 100+ elephants gather daily for drinking and bathing, with peak activity 6-8am and 4-6pm. River cruises during green season offer intimate viewing as vegetation forces animals to predictable water points. Baby elephants born in November-December provide exceptional photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Morning game drives (6am departure) and evening river cruises yield best results. Book accommodations in Kasane 3-4 weeks ahead as it's the main hub. Daily park fees $50 for non-residents. Choose operators with afternoon storm contingency plans and covered vehicles.

Central Kalahari Desert Cultural Experiences

December's cooler evenings 18-20°C (64-68°F) create perfect conditions for San Bushmen cultural experiences including traditional hunting demonstrations and storytelling around fires. Green season brings desert blooms and migratory birds, transforming the landscape from barren to surprisingly lush. Star visibility remains exceptional on clear nights between storm systems.

Booking Tip: Requires 4WD vehicles and experienced guides familiar with seasonal road conditions. Book through Maun operators 2-3 weeks ahead, costs typically $350-500 per person for 2-day experiences. Confirm vehicle recovery capabilities for wet weather situations. Camping equipment must be completely waterproof.

Maun Aviation Scenic Flights

December storm formations create the most dramatic aerial photography conditions of the year over the Okavango Delta. Morning flights (7-9am) offer crystal clear visibility before clouds build, while afternoon flights capture lightning and storm cells. Floodwaters reach maximum extent, creating intricate channel patterns visible only from above. Flight paths adjust for seasonal wildlife concentrations.

Booking Tip: Weather cancellations occur 20-25% of days December, so book flexible operators allowing rebooking. Helicopter flights $200-300 per person for 45-60 minutes. Fixed-wing scenic flights $150-250 per person. Morning slots book fastest, reserve 10-14 days ahead. Confirm insurance coverage for weather delays.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Flamingo Viewing

December rains fill seasonal pans creating temporary lakes that attract thousands of flamingos for breeding displays. Sua Pan and Ntwetwe Pan transform from white salt deserts into pink-filled lagoons within weeks of first rains. Peak flamingo numbers occur mid-to-late December when algae blooms provide optimal feeding conditions. Cooler temperatures make walking tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Highly dependent on rainfall timing - confirm current water levels before booking as pans can be empty or overfull. Guided tours from Gweta village cost $80-120 per person daily. 4WD essential for pan access during wet conditions. Book local guides who monitor water levels daily and know current flamingo locations.

Traditional Village Homestays and Craft Markets

December coincides with harvest celebrations in rural villages, offering authentic cultural immersion during sorghum and millet harvesting season. Traditional beer brewing, basket weaving workshops, and harvest feast preparations provide genuine cultural exchange. Cooler evening temperatures make outdoor community activities comfortable, with traditional dances and storytelling sessions extending past sunset.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism initiatives cost $40-80 per person per day including meals and activities. Book through Gaborone cultural tourism offices or established community organizations. Advance booking 2-3 weeks required for homestays. Bring small gifts like school supplies as cultural exchange tokens.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Rural communities celebrate successful sorghum and millet harvests with traditional dancing, beer brewing ceremonies, and feast preparations. Visitors can participate in grain processing, traditional cooking methods, and community storytelling sessions that preserve oral histories.

December 26

Boxing Day Bush Picnics

Local families traditional gather for elaborate outdoor meals in scenic locations like Mokolodi Nature Reserve or Kgale Hill. Many lodges offer special Boxing Day bush lunches with traditional setswana dishes alongside international cuisine, creating unique cultural fusion experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic pants and shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry after storm exposure

Waterproof daypack cover and phone case - afternoon thunderstorms arrive with little warning and can soak gear in minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 combined with reflection from water and salt pans intensifies exposure

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - increased mosquito activity near water sources and temporary pools from rains

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - storms typically last 1-2 hours but can include heavy winds and driving rain

Closed-toe hiking boots with good tread - muddy conditions around lodges and waterholes create slippery surfaces

Binoculars in waterproof case - enhanced wildlife viewing during green season requires protection from sudden downpours

Extra camera batteries and memory cards - frequent charging opportunities limited at remote camps, cold morning temperatures drain batteries faster

Long pants and sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) and mosquito activity increases at dusk

Microfiber towel and wet wipes - limited laundry facilities at bush camps, quick-dry materials essential for multi-day safaris

Insider Knowledge

Local operators offer 'green season guarantees' - if roads become impassable, most lodges provide helicopter transfers at no extra cost rather than canceling bookings, but confirm this policy when booking

December mornings 6-9am provide the clearest photography light and highest animal activity before heat builds - afternoon game drives often end early due to storms but morning drives almost never get rained out

Botswana's school holidays run December 1-31, meaning domestic tourism peaks mid-month - international visitors find better availability first and last weeks of December with same wildlife viewing quality

Many lodges switch to 'flood season menus' featuring fresh fish from seasonal catches and locally harvested crops - ask about seasonal specialties like morogo (wild spinach) and fresh tilapia not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for hot weather - December nights can drop to 20°C (68°F) and morning game drives start at 6am when temperatures feel quite cool, especially on open vehicles

Booking back-to-back destinations without weather buffers - December requires 1-2 extra days built into itineraries for potential flight delays and road condition changes

Expecting dry season wildlife densities - animals disperse when water is abundant, requiring patience and different viewing strategies focused on specific habitats rather than general game drives