Why choose a green season safari in Botswana?
The Green Season in Botswana is one of the most underrated times for a wildlife photographic safari. While many travelers associate safari with the dry season, those who visit during the wet season in Africa are treated to an entirely different spectacle. Lush landscapes, dramatic skies, young animals, and an explosion of life make this an unmissable opportunity for photographers who want to capture the wilder side of Africa in full color.
The Beauty of the Green Season
The first thing that stands out during the green Season is the richness of the landscapes. The parched earth of the drier months transforms into a vibrant canvas of emerald greens, with wildflowers blooming in every direction. The dust-free air provides an unparalleled clarity to the light, allowing for clean, crisp images with a depth of color that is hard to match at any other time of year.
Storm clouds add an extra layer of drama, creating stunning backdrops for wildlife photography. Overcast days offer diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows, perfect for capturing detailed portraits of big cats, elephants, and antelope species in their best form. And then, of course, there’s the adventure factor—when the rains come, the roads become muddy, and getting stuck can become part of the fun! It’s all part of the authentic African safari experience.
Wet season in Africa – Young Animals and Predator Action
The Green Season is the season of new life. Impalas, wildebeest, and other antelope species drop their young, filling the landscape with wobbly-legged fawns and calves, always under the watchful eyes of lurking predators. Lions, leopards, and wild dogs make the most of this time, hunting vulnerable newborns and giving photographers incredible opportunities to capture raw moments of survival.
Elephants and buffalo thrive during this season, moving into the mopane heartland to take advantage of the abundant vegetation. With energy levels restored, the wet season is when you see elephants at their most playful. With water sources replenished, hippos and crocodiles become more active, making for incredible sightings along the waterways of Moremi, Savute, and Chobe.
The Green Season Birding Spectacle – A Paradise for Avian Photography
For bird photographers, the Green Season is pure magic. Migrant birds from Europe, Asia and central Africa arrive in good numbers, donning their striking breeding plumage. The waterways of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River become a haven for storks, herons, and waders, while vibrant bee-eaters, rollers and kingfishers add bursts of color to the landscape and an unparralled soundscape to the surrounding bush.
Raptors such as Steppe Eagles and Amur Falcons can be seen in good numbers, while woodland kingfishers display with a familier shrill cry and flash of irredescent blue, creating stunning opportunities for flight shots. Other kingfishers, from the giant to the tiny malachite, provide dynamic subjects as they dive into the water to hunt. The lush vegetation also brings an explosion of insect life, attracting cuckoos, paradise flycatchers, and various warbler species. For those with a keen eye, the Green Season is a time of endless birding discoveries, where every turn of the road can reveal a rare or unexpected sighting.
Macro Photography – Mushrooms, Insects, and Wildflowers - a Green Safari
For those who enjoy macro photography, the Green Season provides a playground of fascinating subjects. Termites take to the air in dramatic nuptial flights, while the increased humidity brings out an incredible variety of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects. Fungi thrive in the damp environment, with mushrooms of all shapes and colors emerging from the forest floors, adding a unique layer to your photographic portfolio.
The wildflowers are another Green Season highlight, with carpets of lilies, hibiscus, and acacia blooms transforming the landscape. Photographing these small details allows for a refreshing break from traditional wildlife images, offering a different perspective on the natural beauty of Botswana.
Moremi, Savute, and Chobe – What Makes Each Area Special?
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi, with its intricate waterways and diverse ecosystems, is a Green Season paradise. The floodplains turn lush, attracting large herds of red lechwe and tsessebe, while Moremi’s resident leopards continue to provide excellent sightings. Birders will delight in the vibrant gatherings of African jacanas, painted snipes, and pygmy geese.
Savute
Savute, known for its dynamic predator interactions, comes alive during the Green Season. The Savute Marsh fills with water, attracting zebras on their annual migration. Lions and hyenas thrive in this abundant environment, making for incredible action shots. The famous Savute elephants, always a highlight, make their way through the mopane woodlands, offering dramatic photographic moments.
Chobe Riverfront
The Chobe Riverfront is spectacular during the rains. Lush riverbanks attract immense herds of herbivores, while the birding opportunities are unparalleled. Skimmers, fish eagles, and flocks of African openbills create mesmerizing scenes along the water’s edge. Boat safaris allow for low-angle perspectives, perfect for capturing the interactions between wildlife and water.
Why You Should Join a Green Season Safari
A Green Season safari is not just about photography; it’s about experiencing Africa in a way few people do. The landscapes are at their most beautiful, wildlife interactions are at their most intense, and the light is at its cleanest. While the adventure may include getting muddy and working around the rains, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
For photographers looking to expand their portfolio, capture rare behaviors, and immerse themselves in the true essence of Africa, this is the perfect time to visit. Join me on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness and discover the magic of a Green Season safari for yourself!