Botswana in February

February keeps the heat but adds even more dramatic downpours that turn camps into islands between squalls; boat trips can be interrupted by storms and visibility on dirt roads is poor. Maun’s airport can be especially chaotic as charter schedules shift, yet this is also when migrant birds and breeding activity are at their peak, rewarding birdwatchers. Expect muddy drives to remote camps, so waterproofs, insecticide-treated clothing and flexibility in itineraries are essential.

February continues the pattern of heavy afternoon thunderstorms and lush vegetation across the riverfront and Linyanti swamps; floodplains are locally green and birds are in breeding plumage. Savuti’s famous channel may still be dry or just starting to flow depending on upstream rainfall patterns-its behaviour is famously unpredictable. For visitors this is a quieter time with lower visibility of game concentrations and more challenging roads for game drives.

February can turn the pans into a patchwork of mud, grass and shallow pools after heavy rains, and the normally arid landscape is surprisingly lush in places. Flamingos and other waterbirds may visit temporary lakes, but access to remote camps is often dependent on local conditions; flights into airstrips can be delayed. For photographers and naturalists the newly green pans are rewarding, but road travel is harder and you should be prepared for wet sandy tracks.

February keeps the Kalahari hot and humid with intermittent thunderstorms that may create pockets of seasonal water-this is when the usually dusty landscape can look unexpectedly lush. Wildlife disperses across the new grass and pans, so sightings may be more scattered than in the dry season, which can frustrate travellers seeking concentrated game. Expect remote solitude, limited services, and rough road conditions; a reliable 4x4 and contingency fuel are essential.

February keeps the scorch and sporadic thunder: vegetation is modest and riverbeds can become sticky with mud after heavier cell storms. Kgalagadi’s classic red dunes and sparse riverine belts offer dramatic light for photographers in the late afternoons. Bring sun protection and ensure tyre spares and recovery gear are available for sand and corrugated tracks.

February continues hot and stormy with heavy showers that can interrupt road travel between towns and into safari areas; Gaborone’s streets can pool after intense rainfall. This is still low season for business travel, but domestic tourism picks up as people head for weekend escapes to nearby reserves, so book weekend transfers in advance. Bring waterproof footwear and check traffic reports when moving between urban centers and parks.