In the period from January to April, during the Austral summer, in the Okavango Delta, and in Botswana, the rainy season occurs; temperatures are elevated in both day and night, although humidity is not very high, such as in October and November, it often creates a bit of haze.
Although these months correspond to the rainy season, usually only short-lived showers occur, that still allow safaris; moreover, there are not many light hours, only in February and March the days are a bit more cloudy.
The wooded areas are very beautiful and lush, while the plains are green, from the landscape point of view it is a show but this makes it a little more difficult to see animals, moreover they are more dispersed in the territory, since they are able to find water and food a bit everywhere.
Many animals move to the mopane forests, near the Okavango Delta, others move to the salty stretches of Makgadikgadi, that at this time turn into lakes from brackish and shallow waters, or in other areas of the Central Kalahari .
Despite this migration, a large number of animals remain in the Delta, and safaris are still very beautiful with remarkable sightings.
This season also coincides with the time in the Okavango Delta when the flood is at its minimum level, many areas, first submerged, are now free from water; water only persists in the permanent canals where boat safaris are still possible; in March and April, the flood of the Okavango River comes to Botswana and descends along the Panhandle.
In particularly rainy years the delta begins to fill before time, but this is an exceptional event.
In January the vegetation is lush and the wild flowers bloom thanks to the spectacular tropical storms usually occurring in the afternoon.
Predators are more active than usual, even during the day, and their favorite prey is the young antelope born in the previous months; January also corresponds to the peak of bird births.
In February the fruits of the figs are ripe and many species, including bats and flying foxes, eat them; while several species of frogs, often very colorful, graze in ephemeral pools and marshes.
Daytime temperatures reach 40 degrees, while at night they never drop below 20 degrees, afternoon storms are scenographic but less frequent; the bull frog reemerges after months, sometimes years, of lethargy while the puppies of the antelope have almost reached the size of the adults.
In March, the fruits of the marula trees, the elephant's favorite, ripen, so it's easy to find them in the forests while enjoying this delicacy; some claim that these fruits are able to inebriate the elephants since, when they are completely ripe, their sweet pulp becomes slightly alcoholic.
March also coincides with the beginning of the season of love for impalas and other antelopes; the temperature is always warm but rains are getting less frequent and the climate begins to become drier.
In April, the season begins to change, daytime temperatures are still high, while night temperatures begin to fall below 20 degrees, mornings are cool and often a very photogenic mist forms on the delta waters; we are in the middle of the season of love for antelopes and impalas, it's easy to spot the males fighting for dominance over the females.
Many trees have completed their flowering period and the fruits begin to ripen while the reptiles lay the eggs.
Although this is a bit unusual time to go to the Okavango Delta for a safari and some camps are closed, mammal sightings are still at a good level and it is one of the best times for birdwatching since, in addition to resident species, there are species that migrate here from the boreal hemisphere that can also be seen.
Many travelers, in this period, combine staying in the delta with a few days in the neighboring areas such as the Central Kalahari, Nxai and Makgadikgadi, that, thanks to the rains, are rich in life.
