Things to Do in Botswana in June

June Weather in Botswana

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 51mm (2.0 inches) means excellent game viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources
Vegetation is at its sparsest, making wildlife spotting in the Delta 40% easier than wet season months - elephants and predators are highly visible
Comfortable daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F) perfect for long game drives without the scorching heat of October/November
Low tourist season means lodge rates are 30-50% cheaper than peak season (July-September) and you'll have the bush largely to yourself

Considerations

Night temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) requiring warm layers for early morning game drives and mokoro trips
Dust levels are high due to dry conditions - bring extra contact lens solution and protective gear for cameras
Some seasonal water channels in the Okavango Delta may be shallow, limiting access to certain mokoro routes

Best Activities in June

Okavango Delta Mokoro Expeditions

June's low water levels create intimate channels perfect for traditional dugout canoe exploration. The sparse vegetation means exceptional bird watching - over 400 species are active, including African fish eagles and malachite kingfishers. Water is crystal clear and calm, ideal for photography. Temperatures are comfortable for full-day expeditions without the exhausting heat of later dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 21-30 days ahead through licensed Delta operators. Multi-day camping expeditions typically cost P3,500-5,500 ($260-410 USD) per person. Look for operators with experienced polers and quality camping equipment. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chobe National Park Elephant Viewing

June is prime time for Chobe's legendary elephant herds. With only 51mm (2.0 inches) of rainfall, massive herds of 200-500 elephants gather at the Chobe River daily between 3-6pm. The cool 25°C (77°F) afternoons make both boat and land safaris comfortable. Predator activity peaks as prey concentrates near water sources.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Victoria Falls typically cost P1,800-2,800 ($135-210 USD). Multi-day packages with game lodge accommodation range P4,500-8,500 ($340-640 USD) per person. Book through operators with both boat and vehicle access for complete experience.

Central Kalahari Desert Cultural Experiences

June's mild daytime temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make desert exploration comfortable before the harsh heat arrives. This is ideal timing for San Bushmen cultural experiences - traditionally their hunting season when animals are predictable around water sources. Clear skies provide incredible stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural camping tours typically cost P2,800-4,200 ($210-315 USD) per person including meals and San guide experiences. Book with operators who work directly with local San communities. Ensure 4WD vehicles and experienced desert guides.

Moremi Game Reserve Walking Safaris

The combination of comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures and low humidity makes June perfect for guided walking safaris in Moremi. Animal tracks are clearly visible in dry sand, and reduced vegetation provides unobstructed wildlife viewing. Professional guides can track big cats and wild dogs more easily during this season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day walking safari packages typically cost P5,500-8,500 ($415-640 USD) per person including armed professional guides, camping equipment, and meals. Book only with operators holding professional guide certifications and comprehensive insurance.

Makgadikgadi Pans Landscape Photography

June offers the most dramatic contrast on the salt pans - completely dry, crystalline white surfaces under brilliant blue skies. The comfortable 25°C (77°F) days allow for extended photography sessions capturing the surreal lunar landscape. Migrating zebra and wildebeest may still be present on the eastern edges.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours typically cost P2,200-3,500 ($165-265 USD) per day including specialized guides familiar with best lighting conditions. Look for operators providing tripod-friendly vehicles and knowledge of wildlife movement patterns.

Victoria Falls Border Adventures

June's clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it perfect for exploring both Botswana and Zambia/Zimbabwe sides of Victoria Falls. The Falls are at moderate flow levels - not the thunderous spray of April/May but still impressive with better visibility for photography. Comfortable for adventure activities like helicopter flights and river cruises.

Booking Tip: Cross-border day packages typically cost P1,500-2,800 ($115-210 USD) including park fees and transport. Multi-activity packages range P3,500-5,500 ($265-415 USD). Ensure operators handle visa requirements and have permits for both countries.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June

Setswana Traditional Hunting Season Demonstrations

Local communities in the Kalahari region traditionally conduct educational demonstrations of ancestral hunting techniques during June's optimal hunting season. These cultural experiences showcase traditional tracking, tool-making, and survival skills passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 5°C (41°F) but afternoons reach 25°C (77°F), requiring both warm fleece and light cotton

High-quality dust masks or bandanas - dry season creates significant dust during game drives and vehicle transfers

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off white salt pans creates intense exposure

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - tsetse flies are active along waterways despite dry conditions

Comfortable walking boots waterproofed to 150mm (6 inches) for mokoro landings and bush walks on varied terrain

High-capacity power bank (20,000+ mAh) - remote camps have limited charging opportunities and cold weather drains batteries faster

Binoculars with at least 8x42 magnification - dry season vegetation allows for distant wildlife viewing opportunities

Warm sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) - desert nights are surprisingly cold and many camps have canvas tents only

Camera lens cleaning kit and protective covers - dust is unavoidable and can damage expensive equipment permanently

Emergency water purification tablets - backup for remote areas where bottled water may be limited

Insider Knowledge

Game drives are most productive 6-9am and 3-6pm when animals are active - midday temperatures of 25°C (77°F) send most wildlife into shade

Mokoro trips should be booked for early morning when waters are calmest - afternoon winds can make narrow channels difficult to navigate

Many mobile safari camps offer significant June discounts but require booking by April due to limited low-season operating schedules

Local airstrips often have weather delays due to morning fog - build buffer time into domestic flight connections, especially departures before 10am

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold early mornings get - visitors regularly shiver through dawn game drives in just light clothing

Booking only day trips to major attractions - June's comfortable weather is perfect for multi-day camping experiences most tourists skip

Focusing only on Big Five spotting - June is actually prime time for incredible bird photography and smaller mammal behavior