The phrase “Green Season” is often used as a euphemism for the “rainy season”, which travellers looking to visit a country at its “best time of year” tend to view negatively. And yet…
And yet, in Botswana, as in many regions, the rainy season means renewal and abundance. Heavy or violent rainfall can of course cause damage and bring its share of problems. But travelling during this season is far from a deterrent — quite the opposite.
In Botswana, it’s during the rainy season that you’ll find flowering landscapes and lush, green vegetation. The bush is never as alive as during these few weeks. Migratory birds return in far greater numbers than during the austral winter. It’s also the birthing season for many herbivores, particularly impalas, whose calving coincides with the start of this period of plenty.
Last but not least, the light can become extraordinary. Whether you’re a photographer or not, the result is the same: this light produces memorable scenes, the kind you see in fine nature books or in prestigious wildlife documentaries from National Geographic or the BBC. Nothing beats a threatening sky, heavy with clouds in a thousand shades of grey. And when a storm rumbles in the distance…
The green season offers a permanent sound-and-light show!
One could argue that it means putting up with spells of rain of varying length, sometimes more complicated travel conditions with possible disruption to movement; that animals are harder to spot, as the proliferation of waterholes encourages them to disperse across the bush, and taller, denser vegetation makes them easier to miss; that certain areas may be difficult to access.
But climate change is making all of this less and less predictable.
The rainy season today is markedly less regular and predictable than it used to be, both in timing and intensity. It’s even possible to stay dry-footed while travelling during the rainy season.
Another advantage, given that Botswana has some of the highest rates in Africa: lodge and camp prices are very attractive and more affordable than during high season, which, depending on the location, runs from early June/July to late October/November.
Enough to make you love the rain!
Travelling against the grain has therefore become a smart solution for those who want to travel wisely, away from the crowds (even though Botswana is never overcrowded) and on a smaller budget.
This winter, go green. Head out for the austral summer and organise a safari in Botswana!
© Great Plains Conservation
