Things to Do in Botswana in February

February Weather in Botswana

33°C (91°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

95 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Okavango Delta is at maximum flood levels - February marks the peak of the annual flood with water channels fully navigated by mokoro (traditional canoes), creating the best water-based safari conditions of the year. Water levels reach 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) in many channels, opening up areas inaccessible during dry months.
Newborn wildlife everywhere - February is calving season across Botswana. You'll see baby elephants, antelope, zebra foals, and predators actively hunting vulnerable young animals. Chobe National Park reports 60-70% of elephant herds include calves under 3 months old during February.
Dramatic storm photography and fewer tourists - Afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular light for photography between 3-6pm. Tourist numbers drop 40% compared to peak season (July-October), meaning lower accommodation rates and private game viewing. Lodges in the Delta offer 25-35% discounts compared to high season.
Migratory birds at peak numbers - Over 550 species present, including massive breeding colonies of carmine bee-eaters, storks, and herons. Nata Bird Sanctuary hosts 40,000+ flamingos when Sua Pan holds water from recent rains. February is the single best month for serious birders visiting Botswana.

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt game drives - Rain typically arrives between 2-5pm and lasts 45-90 minutes. Morning drives (6-10am) are reliable, but afternoon drives often get cut short. Some remote camps become temporarily inaccessible when roads flood, requiring 4-6 hour detours.
Dense vegetation reduces predator sightings - The landscape is lush and green, which sounds beautiful but means lions, leopards, and cheetahs hide more effectively. Predator sighting rates drop to 40-50% compared to 75-85% in dry season when animals concentrate around limited water sources.
High humidity makes midday uncomfortable - Between 11am-3pm, the combination of 30-33°C (86-91°F) temperatures and 70-80% humidity creates oppressive conditions. Most camps shut down activities during this period. If you struggle with heat and humidity, September-November offers better conditions with similar green landscapes.

Best Activities in February

Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursions

February offers the absolute best mokoro (dugout canoe) experiences as floodwaters reach peak levels. Water channels that are dry or too shallow in other months become navigable 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft) deep waterways. You'll glide silently through papyrus channels spotting sitatunga antelope, lechwe, and hundreds of bird species. The water is warm enough (24-26°C / 75-79°F) for comfortable wildlife wading experiences. Morning excursions (6-9am) offer the best light and calmest water before afternoon storms arrive.

Booking Tip: Book mokoro trips through established camps in the Delta at least 4-6 weeks ahead for February, as this is peak water season despite being low tourist season. Trips typically cost 3,500-5,500 Pula (260-410 USD) per person per day including guide and camp transfers. Look for operators offering morning-focused itineraries to avoid afternoon storm disruptions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chobe River Boat Safaris

The Chobe River runs high and fast in February, bringing massive elephant herds (150-300 individuals) to the riverbanks daily. Boat safaris offer the best elephant viewing in Africa during this month, with herds swimming between islands and bathing with newborn calves. Hippo pods are active and visible, and crocodiles sun themselves on exposed banks. The afternoon storms create dramatic backdrops for photography. Water temperatures reach 26-28°C (79-82°F), perfect for observing elephants fully submerging and playing.

Booking Tip: Book boat safaris for morning slots (6:30-10am) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that can make river conditions rough. Tours typically cost 800-1,200 Pula (60-90 USD) for 3-hour excursions from Kasane. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators with covered boats (essential for sudden rain). Reference the booking widget below for current available tours departing from Kasane.

Makgadikgadi Pans Flamingo Viewing

When February rains fill the pans, Sua Pan and Ntwetwe Pan transform into shallow lakes 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) deep hosting 30,000-60,000 lesser and greater flamingos. The spectacle peaks mid-to-late February when algae blooms attract maximum numbers. The vast white salt surface reflecting pink flamingo flocks creates surreal photography opportunities. Nata Bird Sanctuary on the northern edge offers the most accessible viewing with wooden walkways extending 200 m (650 ft) into the pan.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Maun or Nata typically cost 1,200-1,800 Pula (90-135 USD) including park fees and guide. Book only after confirming recent rainfall has filled the pans - contact lodges in Nata for current water level reports before booking. Tours run best in early morning (6-9am) when flamingos are most active and light is optimal. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Moremi Game Reserve Game Drives

Moremi in February offers a completely different safari experience from dry season - lush green landscapes, active predators hunting newborn prey, and dramatic storm clouds creating exceptional light between 4-6pm. The Khwai River area concentrations remain strong despite dispersed water sources. Wild dog packs are particularly active as they den and raise pups during February-March. Leopard sightings occur most frequently in morning drives (6-10am) along riverine forests where they retreat from midday heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day game drives cost 1,500-2,200 Pula (110-165 USD) from camps in Moremi, including park fees. Book morning-focused drives (6am-1pm) rather than afternoon drives to maximize wildlife viewing before storms arrive. Reserve at least 3-4 weeks ahead for February as many camps operate at reduced capacity during rainy season. See booking options below for current Moremi safari availability.

Cultural Village Visits in Maun

February's afternoon rain patterns make cultural village experiences ideal for midday hours (10am-2pm) when outdoor safari activities pause. Villages outside Maun offer authentic experiences with Bayei and Hambukushu communities, demonstrating traditional basket weaving, mokoro construction, and explaining Delta flood cycle management. The rainy season brings fresh foods - you'll see traditional preparation of wild spinach, water lily tubers, and seasonal fish catches. These visits provide essential context for understanding the Delta ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Half-day village visits cost 400-700 Pula (30-52 USD) per person including transport from Maun and community fees. Book through community-run tourism initiatives rather than hotel concierges to ensure money reaches villages directly. Schedule for late morning departures (10-11am) when it's too hot for game drives but before afternoon storms. Check the booking widget below for current cultural tour options from Maun.

Scenic Flights Over the Delta

February floodwaters create the most visually stunning aerial views of the Okavango Delta. From 300-500 m (1,000-1,640 ft) altitude, you'll see the intricate network of channels at their fullest extent, massive elephant herds from above, and the contrast between flooded plains and palm islands. Morning flights (7-9am) offer the best visibility before afternoon cloud buildup. The green landscape against blue water channels creates photography opportunities impossible in dry season's brown tones.

Booking Tip: One-hour scenic flights cost 2,800-3,500 Pula (210-260 USD) per person for fixed-wing aircraft, or 4,500-6,000 Pula (335-450 USD) for helicopters with more flexible routing. Book morning departures only in February - afternoon storms ground flights 60-70% of days after 2pm. Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead from Maun operators. See current flight tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Elephant Calving Season Peak

While not a formal event, February marks the peak of elephant calving across Chobe and the Delta. Approximately 65% of annual elephant births occur January-March, with February seeing maximum numbers of 2-8 week old calves. This creates exceptional viewing as herds move slowly to accommodate young calves, predators follow herds more closely, and protective behaviors provide dramatic interactions. Chobe riverfront sees the highest concentrations - herds of 200+ with 40-60 visible calves.

Late February through April

Carmine Bee-Eater Breeding Colonies

February marks the start of the spectacular carmine bee-eater breeding season along the Okavango River and Linyanti systems. Thousands of these brilliant red birds excavate nest burrows in vertical sandy banks, creating colonies of 1,000-5,000 pairs. The aerial displays and constant activity provide mesmerizing viewing. Colonies near Shakawe and along the Kwando River become active late February and peak through April.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms drop 10-25 mm (0.4-1 inch) in 45-90 minutes. Pack a jacket that stuffs into a small bag for game drives, not a full raincoat which is too hot in 70% humidity.

Quick-dry safari clothing in neutral colors (khaki, olive, tan) - cotton takes 8-12 hours to dry in February humidity. Technical fabrics dry in 2-3 hours. Pack 4-5 shirts and 2-3 pants as you'll sweat through clothing by midday.

Waterproof bag or dry sack for camera equipment - essential for mokoro trips and boat safaris where water spray is constant. A 20-liter (5-gallon) dry bag protects electronics during unexpected rain on game drives.

High SPF 50+ sunscreen in non-aerosol form - UV index reaches 8-9 even on cloudy days. Aerosol sunscreens are prohibited on small aircraft which you'll likely use for Delta transfers. Reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities.

Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET - mosquito activity peaks during rainy season, particularly at dawn and dusk. Malaria risk is present year-round in northern Botswana. Apply repellent to exposed skin and consider permethrin-treated clothing.

Binoculars with waterproof or water-resistant rating - essential for birding when 550+ species are present. The 8x42 or 10x42 size range works best. Keep them in a waterproof case between uses as humidity can fog internal lenses.

Closed-toe walking shoes or light hiking boots - for mokoro island walks and village visits. Sandals are insufficient as you'll walk through 5-10 cm (2-4 inch) deep water and muddy areas. Shoes should dry quickly and provide ankle support.

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - critical for sun protection during morning boat safaris and game drives. The chin strap prevents loss during windy conditions on the Chobe River or in open safari vehicles traveling 30-40 km/h (19-25 mph).

Headlamp or small flashlight - camps experience power fluctuations during storms, and walking between tent and dining areas requires light. Red light mode preserves night vision and doesn't disturb wildlife during night drives.

Lightweight long pants and long-sleeve shirt for evenings - mosquito protection after sunset when temperatures drop to 20-22°C (68-72°F). Choose breathable fabrics as evenings remain humid even when cooler.

Insider Knowledge

Book morning game drives exclusively in February - locals and experienced guides know that 85% of quality wildlife viewing happens between 6-11am before heat and afternoon storms arrive. Afternoon drives get interrupted by rain 60% of the time. Request 6am departures rather than standard 6:30am starts to maximize cool morning hours.

The green season discount trap - while lodges advertise 25-35% discounts in February, many reduce services simultaneously. Confirm before booking whether the lodge operates full dining service, offers afternoon activities with rain backup plans, and maintains full guiding staff. Some camps run on skeleton crews during rainy season.

Fly between camps rather than driving in February - what looks like a 3-hour drive on maps becomes 5-7 hours when roads flood. The 80 km (50 mile) route from Maun to Moremi can require detours adding 120 km (75 miles) after heavy rain. Small aircraft transfers cost 2,200-3,200 Pula (165-240 USD) but save entire days of travel frustration.

Bring double the camera storage you think you need - February's dramatic light, storm photography opportunities, and peak bird activity means you'll shoot 3-4 times more photos than dry season. The combination of newborn animals, flamingo flocks, and storm clouds creates once-yearly photo opportunities. Pack at least 128GB of storage per week.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon-focused itineraries - tourists who don't understand February weather patterns book standard 3pm-6pm game drives which get rained out 60% of the time. Always prioritize morning activities and treat afternoon drives as bonus opportunities. Camps won't refund for weather cancellations.

Expecting the classic dry season safari experience - February is fundamentally different from July-October safaris. Tourists arrive expecting concentrated wildlife around waterholes and get frustrated by dispersed animals and thick vegetation. If you want guaranteed big cat sightings and large predator concentrations, visit May-October instead. February is for birders, photographers, and travelers who appreciate lush landscapes over predator density.

Underestimating how humidity affects comfort - tourists pack for 33°C (91°F) temperatures but don't account for 70-80% humidity making it feel like 38-40°C (100-104°F). The combination makes midday (11am-3pm) genuinely uncomfortable for outdoor activity. Plan reading time, afternoon naps, or pool time during these hours rather than fighting the conditions.