Travelling around Botswana in the dry season often has its challenges, but in some places in the wet season it's a totally different game. Then the areas of pure sand are still fine to drive on, and even a bit firmer than they are when it's hot and dry.

Driving yourself

In some areas where the soil has a high clay content, the bush tracks become quagmires – the track from Rakops to the Central Kalahari's scout camp near Kuke Corner is a fine example, as are most of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Some tracks, especially those in the Delta-Linyanti region, like the route between Xakanaxa and North Gate, become submerged completely. Thus travel in Botswana during the wet season requires careful research, and scrupulous attention to your emergency precautions. If you're heading for somewhere remote in the wet season, then travelling with two or more vehicles is wise.

Flying around

In contrast, the weather is seldom a problem if you're flying into one of Botswana's safari camps. All are used to the vagaries of the weather and the water levels, although it may affect your activities. Similarly, if you're heading out on a budget mokoro trip or safari, it shouldn't affect your trip significantly – though your vehicle may need the occasional push!

Although there are less visitors around during this period, Botswana's flight schedules don't change much, and only a few of its camps will close. (Many will close during this period for a few weeks of planned maintenance or any building work that's needed. Those that remain open are often very quiet – so if you've often been to Africa in the dry season, then this is a fascinating time to visit – like being introduced to a different side of an old friend.)