Things to Do in Botswana in May

May Weather in Botswana

30°C (86°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

35% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources - the Okavango Delta's flood waters are arriving, creating exceptional game viewing along the channels while surrounding areas remain dry. Elephants, buffalo, and predators gather in predictable locations, making sightings nearly guaranteed.
Ideal weather conditions with daytime temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F) and cool mornings around 15°C (59°F) - perfect for morning game drives without the extreme winter cold of June-August or the heat of summer. Virtually no rain means consistently excellent conditions.
Lower accommodation rates than peak winter season (June-September) - May is technically still shoulder season, so you'll pay 15-25% less at many lodges while experiencing nearly identical wildlife viewing conditions. Book now for May 2025 and save significantly compared to July-August prices.
Excellent visibility for photography and game viewing - the dry season vegetation is sparse, grasses are short after the rains have ended, and dust levels are still manageable (unlike August-October). The soft autumn light creates stunning photographic conditions, especially in early morning.

Considerations

Okavango Delta flood is just beginning - water levels are rising but haven't reached their peak, meaning some water-based activities and mokoro (traditional canoe) routes may be limited compared to July-September. If water-based safari experiences are your priority, you'll have fewer channels accessible.
Mornings require layering for game drives - temperatures drop to 10-15°C (50-59°F) before sunrise, and open safari vehicles feel colder with wind chill. You'll need proper warm layers for 5am-8am drives, though afternoons are comfortable.
Some lodges and camps are transitioning between seasons - a small number of seasonal camps in the Delta may still be closed or just opening for the winter season, limiting accommodation options in specific areas like the northern Delta concessions.

Best Activities in May

Okavango Delta Mokoro and Walking Safaris

May marks the beginning of the Delta flood as water from Angola's highlands arrives, transforming the landscape. While water levels are lower than peak flood months, this creates unique opportunities for combination experiences - morning mokoro trips through filling channels followed by walking safaris on islands. The water attracts wildlife while islands remain accessible on foot. Temperatures are perfect for walking without the winter cold that makes early morning walks uncomfortable in July-August. Bird activity is excellent as resident species are joined by the last of the summer migrants.

Booking Tip: Book 8-12 weeks ahead for May 2025 as this is when lodges confirm their opening dates and release inventory. Expect to pay 3,500-8,500 Pula per person per night (approximately 260-630 USD) for mobile camping experiences and 8,000-15,000 Pula (590-1,100 USD) for permanent lodge stays, including activities and meals. Verify with operators that water levels will support mokoro activities in your specific area - the western Delta receives water first. Reference the booking widget below for current tour packages.

Chobe National Park Game Drives and River Cruises

May offers exceptional value at Chobe with near-peak wildlife concentrations at significantly lower prices than winter high season. The Chobe River becomes a critical water source as surrounding areas dry out, creating legendary elephant gatherings - herds of 100-300 elephants are common along the riverfront. Morning game drives target predators (lions, leopards, wild dogs) while afternoon boat cruises provide close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants swimming. The weather is perfect - warm enough for comfortable boat cruises without the scorching heat of October-November, and no rain to disrupt plans.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Kasane town typically cost 1,200-2,000 Pula (90-150 USD) including park fees, combining morning drive and afternoon cruise. Multi-day packages with accommodation range from 4,500-12,000 Pula per person per night (330-890 USD). Book 6-8 weeks ahead for May 2025. Self-drivers can access the park independently - the Kasane-Chobe riverfront road offers excellent DIY game viewing. Check current availability in the booking section below for guided options.

Central Kalahari Desert Expeditions

May is the final month to experience the Kalahari's post-rain transformation before it fully dries out. The pans still hold water, attracting massive springbok herds, gemsbok, and predators including the Kalahari's famous black-maned lions. The landscape retains green hues and wildflowers, creating photographic opportunities unavailable in the bone-dry winter months. Daytime temperatures of 25-28°C (77-82°F) make this vastly more comfortable than summer's 40°C+ (104°F+) heat. Night temperatures are cool but not freezing like June-August, making camping genuinely pleasant.

Booking Tip: This is a remote, self-sufficient destination requiring 4x4 vehicles and camping equipment or fly-in packages to mobile camps. Guided camping expeditions typically cost 2,800-5,500 Pula per person per night (210-410 USD) including all equipment, meals, and park fees. Fly-in lodge packages range from 9,000-18,000 Pula (670-1,340 USD). Book 10-12 weeks ahead as the best mobile operators have limited departure slots. The Central Kalahari requires serious preparation - fuel, water, and navigation equipment are essential for self-drivers. See booking options below for guided expeditions.

Makgadikgadi Pans Quad Biking and Cultural Experiences

The vast salt pans are drying out in May, creating firm surfaces perfect for quad biking and walking on these otherworldly landscapes. This is the transition period when you can still see water birds on remaining pools while also experiencing the stark, lunar-like expanse of dry pans. Cultural visits to habituated meerkat colonies are excellent in May's moderate temperatures - meerkats are active throughout the day rather than hiding from extreme heat or cold. The area offers a completely different landscape experience from the Delta and Chobe, showcasing Botswana's diversity.

Booking Tip: Most visitors base themselves in or near Gweta village. Budget camping costs 200-400 Pula (15-30 USD) per person, mid-range lodges 2,500-4,500 Pula (185-335 USD), and luxury camps 7,000-14,000 Pula (520-1,040 USD) per night with activities included. Quad biking excursions typically cost 800-1,200 Pula (60-90 USD) for 2-3 hours. Meerkat experiences run 600-900 Pula (45-67 USD). Book 4-6 weeks ahead for May 2025. Check the booking widget for current packages combining multiple activities.

Moremi Game Reserve Mobile Camping Safaris

May offers the best balance of accessibility and wildlife in Moremi. The reserve's diverse habitats - floodplains, mopane forest, acacia woodland - concentrate animals as water sources diminish. Mobile camping in May means comfortable nights (not freezing like July-August) and the authentic safari experience of sleeping in the bush. The roads are in excellent condition after the rains have ended but before winter dust makes driving unpleasant. Predator viewing is superb, particularly wild dogs which den in May-June and are often visible with pups.

Booking Tip: Fully guided mobile camping safaris range from 3,200-6,500 Pula per person per night (240-485 USD) including all camping equipment, meals, park fees, and guide services for 3-7 day expeditions. Self-drive camping at public campsites costs 360 Pula (27 USD) per person per night plus 120 Pula (9 USD) park entry, but requires complete self-sufficiency and 4x4 capability. Book guided trips 8-12 weeks ahead for May 2025 as the best guide-operators have limited group sizes. See current mobile safari options in the booking section below.

Gaborone and Mokolodi Nature Reserve Day Experiences

If you're flying in/out of Gaborone or want to bookend a safari with urban experiences, May's pleasant weather makes city exploration comfortable. Mokolodi Nature Reserve, just 12 km (7.5 miles) south of the capital, offers rhino tracking experiences and game drives in a more accessible, affordable setting than the major parks - perfect for families or those with limited time. The reserve's rehabilitation programs provide educational value. Gaborone's outdoor markets and craft centers are enjoyable in May's mild temperatures.

Booking Tip: Mokolodi rhino tracking walks cost approximately 500-700 Pula (37-52 USD) per person for 2-3 hours. Game drives run 400-600 Pula (30-45 USD). The reserve is easily accessible by 2WD vehicle or taxi from Gaborone, making it ideal for travelers without 4x4 vehicles. No advance booking typically required except for weekend visits. Budget 4-5 hours total including transfer time from the city. This is an excellent first or last day activity if your main safari is elsewhere. Check the booking widget for current packages including transport from Gaborone.

May Events & Festivals

Late April through Early May (confirm exact 2025 dates closer to time)

Maitisong Festival

Botswana's premier performing arts festival typically runs in late April through early May in Gaborone, featuring theater, dance, music, and comedy from local and regional artists. This is the country's most significant cultural event, showcasing Botswana's contemporary arts scene alongside traditional performances. Venues include the Maitisong Theatre and outdoor stages across the city. Evening performances pair well with safari itineraries that include Gaborone arrival or departure days.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system for morning game drives - fleece or down jacket for 10-15°C (50-59°F) pre-dawn temperatures, removable as it warms to 25-30°C (77-86°F) by mid-morning. A windproof outer layer is essential in open safari vehicles.

Neutral-colored clothing in khaki, olive, brown, or tan - required for walking safaris and recommended for all game viewing. Avoid blue and black which attract tsetse flies in the Delta. Pack lightweight long sleeves and pants for sun protection and insect prevention.

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 in May with minimal cloud cover. The low humidity means you won't notice sun exposure until you're already burned. Reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities.

Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended) - the dry season vegetation is sparse but animals may still be 50-100 m (165-330 ft) away. This is not optional equipment if you want to fully appreciate wildlife behavior and bird identification.

Headlamp with red light setting - essential for navigating camps at night without disturbing wildlife. Camps have minimal lighting to preserve the night sky and avoid attracting insects. Pack extra batteries as replacements are expensive or unavailable in remote areas.

Dust protection for camera equipment - while May is less dusty than August-October, Botswana's fine Kalahari sand penetrates everything. Bring ziplock bags, lens cleaning supplies, and consider a rain cover that doubles as dust protection for expensive camera gear.

Lightweight daypack (20-30 liters) for game drives and mokoro trips - you'll need to carry water, sunscreen, camera equipment, and layers. Most lodges don't provide bags, and you can't leave items loose in open vehicles.

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes are present but not at peak levels in May. Tsetse flies are the bigger nuisance in the Delta and northern regions. Apply repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin, particularly around ankles.

Quick-dry clothing and water sandals if visiting the Okavango Delta - mokoro trips and walking safaris involve water crossings. Cotton takes too long to dry in May's moderate humidity. Bring closed-toe water shoes or sport sandals with ankle support for walking on uneven terrain.

Power adapter (Type D, G, and M outlets used in Botswana) and portable battery pack - many remote camps operate on solar power with limited charging hours (typically 6pm-10pm only). A 20,000mAh battery pack ensures your devices stay charged between opportunities.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations for May 2025 NOW (January-February 2025) - many lodges require full payment 8-12 weeks before arrival, and the best camps in prime locations like Moremi and the private Delta concessions fill up despite May being shoulder season. You'll also lock in current prices before any 2025 increases.

Request specific camp locations within the Okavango Delta based on flood timing - the western Delta (Jao, Vumbura areas) receives flood waters first in May, while eastern areas (Moremi, Khwai) may still be relatively dry. If mokoro experiences are your priority, specify western Delta camps when booking. Your operator should know water level predictions.

Avoid the common mistake of over-packing your itinerary - Botswana's distances are vast, and small charter flights have strict baggage limits (typically 20 kg/44 lbs in soft bags). Plan for 3-4 nights minimum per location rather than trying to visit 5 different camps in 10 days. You'll spend more time experiencing wildlife and less time traveling.

Self-drivers should purchase detailed GPS tracks and paper maps before arrival - cell service is non-existent in most parks, and GPS coordinates are essential for navigating the Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Download offline maps and tracks from Tracks4Africa or similar sources. Fuel stations are 200+ km (124+ miles) apart in remote areas - plan accordingly and carry jerry cans.

Take advantage of May's shoulder season pricing by booking longer stays - the per-night rate often drops significantly for 4+ night bookings, and you'll negotiate better deals directly with smaller lodges and mobile operators for May dates compared to peak winter season. Email lodges directly rather than only using booking platforms.

Pack prescription medications and basic first aid supplies - remote camps are 30-60 minutes by charter flight from medical facilities, and some are hours from the nearest clinic. Bring anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, pain relievers, and any prescription medications with extra days' supply in case of travel delays.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cold morning game drives feel in open vehicles - tourists see 15°C (59°F) forecast and pack only light layers, then freeze during 5am-8am drives when wind chill drops the perceived temperature significantly. Lodges provide blankets but you'll still need a proper jacket and warm pants.

Booking only Delta camps without experiencing Botswana's diversity - the Okavango is spectacular but represents just one ecosystem. Visitors who spend all 7-10 days in the Delta miss the elephants of Chobe, the stark beauty of the Kalahari, and the pans' unique landscapes. Plan for at least 2-3 different regions if time allows.

Arriving without sufficient cash in local currency - remote camps and small towns operate on cash basis for tips, local purchases, and some activity fees. ATMs are unreliable or non-existent in safari areas. Bring USD or Euros to exchange in Gaborone, Kasane, or Maun rather than relying on finding ATMs once you're in remote areas.