Things to Do in Botswana in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Botswana
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak green season transforms the Okavango Delta into an extraordinary landscape - water levels are rising, channels fill up, and wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources. You'll see baby animals everywhere, from impala fawns to elephant calves, making January one of the best months for photographing young wildlife against lush vegetation.
- Birding reaches world-class levels with over 400 species present, including migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa. Carmine bee-eaters nest in massive colonies, wattled cranes perform courtship displays, and the sheer volume of birdlife makes this the premier month for ornithologists and photographers.
- Fewer tourists mean lower prices and better availability - January falls just after the December holiday rush but before the peak dry season crowds of June-October. You'll find accommodation rates 20-30% lower than high season, easier booking at premium lodges, and more personalized wildlife experiences without vehicle congestion at sightings.
- Dramatic afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular photography conditions with moody skies, dramatic lighting, and that distinctive smell of rain on African soil. The storms typically roll in around 3-4pm, last 30-45 minutes, then clear to reveal stunning sunsets - locals call this 'the most beautiful time of year' for a reason.
Considerations
- Dense vegetation makes predator spotting genuinely challenging - the 2-meter (6.5-foot) tall grass and thick bush mean you might drive past lions lying 10 meters (33 feet) from the road without seeing them. This isn't the month for guaranteed big cat sightings, and you'll need patience and an experienced guide to find wildlife in the thick cover.
- Afternoon rains disrupt game drive schedules and can make some roads temporarily impassable - particularly in the Central Kalahari and more remote areas of Moremi. Most lodges adjust timing with early morning drives (5:30-10am) and late afternoon starts (4-7pm), but you'll occasionally have drives cut short or delayed by weather.
- Heat and humidity can be intense, especially midday when temperatures reach 30-35°C (86-95°F) with 70-80% humidity. This isn't the comfortable, dry heat of winter months - you'll sweat through shirts quickly, need frequent water breaks, and many visitors find the middle of the day best spent at the pool or in air-conditioned spaces rather than out in vehicles.
Best Activities in January
Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursions
Water levels are rising in January, making traditional dugout canoe trips through the delta's channels absolutely magical. The combination of green reed beds, blooming water lilies, and excellent birding creates conditions you won't find in the dry season. The humidity actually works in your favor here - cooler on the water than on land, with hippos and crocodiles more active. You'll glide silently through papyrus-lined channels spotting painted reed frogs, malachite kingfishers, and the occasional sitatunga antelope. Book morning excursions (6-9am) before the heat builds - the light is extraordinary and wildlife more visible.
Chobe River Boat Safaris
The Chobe River runs high and strong in January, bringing massive concentrations of elephants, buffalo, and hippos to the riverbanks. This is actually one of the best months for boat safaris despite being wet season - animals need to drink regardless of rain, and the green season means spectacular backdrops for photography. You'll see breeding herds of elephants with tiny calves learning to swim, crocodiles basking after storms, and incredible bird diversity. The afternoon light through storm clouds creates photography conditions that dry season simply cannot match. Boat safaris run year-round and are less affected by rain than land-based drives.
Makgadikgadi Pans Flamingo Viewing
When the rains come, the vast salt pans transform into temporary lakes that attract tens of thousands of flamingos - both greater and lesser species. January typically sees the pans holding water, creating surreal landscapes of pink flamingo flocks against white salt crusts and blue skies. This spectacle only happens in wet season and is completely unpredictable year to year, making January sightings feel genuinely special. You'll also see pelicans, avocets, and occasional predators hunting at the water's edge. The pans are scorching hot midday, so early morning visits (6-10am) are essential.
Birding Tours Throughout Northern Botswana
January is unquestionably the premier birding month in Botswana - resident species are in breeding plumage, migratory birds have arrived from Europe and Asia, and wetland areas teem with waders and waterfowl. Serious birders can realistically see 150-200 species in a week-long trip. Target species include African skimmers nesting on sandbars, carmine bee-eater colonies in riverbanks, Pel's fishing owls hunting at dusk, and massive flocks of red-billed queleas. The green vegetation and water abundance means birds are everywhere, not just concentrated at a few water sources like in dry season.
Cultural Village Experiences in the Eastern Delta
January's slower tourist season means more authentic interactions with local communities, and the post-rain landscape makes village visits more comfortable than scorching dry season. Visit traditional villages to learn about mokoro carving, basket weaving using palm fronds, and traditional fishing methods. The Bayei and Hambukushu communities around the delta have deep cultural connections to water and wetlands that become especially relevant during the flood season. You'll see how communities have adapted to living in a landscape that floods annually, and January's green abundance means you can observe traditional plant harvesting and food preparation.
Photography Safaris Focused on Green Season Drama
January offers photography opportunities you simply cannot get in dry season - dramatic storm clouds, lightning over the savanna, rain-soaked animals, vivid green landscapes, and that extraordinary light quality after storms pass. Baby animals against lush vegetation, birds in breeding plumage, and reflections in temporary pools create portfolio-worthy images. You'll need to protect camera gear from rain and humidity, but the photographic rewards are substantial. Many professional wildlife photographers specifically target green season for its unique conditions and fewer tourist vehicles cluttering shots.
January Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival
Botswana's premier performing arts festival typically runs in late March, not January, so you'll miss this one. However, January does see various community celebrations related to the start of the rainy season in rural areas - these aren't formalized tourist events but rather traditional gatherings that vary by village and aren't predictable for planning purposes.