The perfect place to get a truly immersive safari experience
If you are looking to enjoy a true taste of Botswana then Bushman Plains – owned and run by indigenous Bushmen is the place for you
Tucked away on a 370,000 acre concession of the Okavango Delta which it shares with just one other camp, Bushman Plains is the perfect retreat for those looking to enjoy an unspoilt slice of wilderness. It is one of the most unique camps in Botswana in that it is owned and run by local Bushmen – the first camp of its kind in the country giving it an uplifting story in community development and wildlife management circles.
There are just 4 walk-in safari tents here, which are simple but comfortably furnished with small verandas at the front where guests can relax in the afternoons. The thick canvas helps keep them cool in summer and warm in the cold winter months, with fans provided for guests’ comfort. There is plenty of storage space and tea and coffee stations are also provided. En-suite bathrooms with hot water on request are found at the rear of each tent. There is a main dining and lounge tent in the heart of the camp and an outdoor firepit area which is perfect for pre and post dinner drinks. The food is wholesome and served family style, with guests able to enjoy the company of their guides and fellow safari goers at mealtimes. Whilst Bushman Plains doesn’t offer the unabashed luxury of many other Okavango Delta Camps, there is something magical about its simplicity and visitors want for nothing throughout their stay here.
The activities programme here is varied and many safari aficionados would argue it offers the best wildlife and wilderness experience in the Delta. This is thanks to the team of Bushman guides who know the area and its wildlife like no-one else. Day and night game drives, walking safaris and mokoro canoe trips offer access to all the amazing game viewing for which the Delta is renowned. They also offer interactive bushman walks – not to be missed – as well as being one of the few camps in the Delta to have access to hot air ballooning safaris.
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When to go to Botswana
Find out the best time to visit Botswana with our month-by-month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the heart of the wet season, with heavy downpours usually in the late afternoons, which is a great excuse to watch the storm from the luxury of your camp or lodge. Much of the wildlife is still there it may just take a little longer to find as its more dispersed due to the surrounding surface water. This time of year is hot, and aside from the rainshowers it's sunny. This is the best time to see the Zebra and Wildebeest migration as well as large flocks of flamingos down in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Rates are lower during the wet season.
February
February is also one of the warmer months, and is defined by both sunshine and heavy storms, which making it another great time for photography. It's now that the Central Kalahari begins waking up, with herds of game coming to graze the lush grassland. Again the peak migration should be in the Makgadikgadi now with large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the area. Game viewing is still great in many areas of the Okavango Delta with many of the dried camps on the western side top choice.
March
The wet season slowly comes to an end, leaving hot, drier days. There is still some rain, but only for short periods during the afternoon. Enjoy the green scenery and the lower accommodation rates. Towards the end of March the wildlife in the Central Kalahari really begins to pick up as large numbers of plains game head in the pans and Valleys. This is a great time of year to combine the Central Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
April
April is a fine month to visit Botswana, as the nights become cooler and sleeping is easier. Breeding season is underway for plains game, so keep an eye out for the clashing males attempting to woo the females out on the savannahs. Along with the breeding season comes more predator activity as the young animals are easy pickings. This is peak game viewing time in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve making it an integral part of any itinerary.
May
With the rainy season at an end, the temperature falls, making bush excursions more pleasant. Nights can be a little chilly, so you'll probably need an extra layer if you're heading out on an evening game drive. Skies become clearer and there are fewer mosquitoes. This is one of our favourite months to travel and also marks the final month before the peak season rates kick in in most camps.
June
June is the middle of winter in Botswana, and is one of the best times to visit the country. Days are pleasantly warm, and nights are spent tucked up cosily in your camp or lodge. Wildlife becomes concentrated around waterholes making it easier to spot. This is a great time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe.
July
With warm sunny days, and cool nights, July is the perfect time to be in Botswana. Although this is the dry season, it's a great time to enjoy a traditional mokoro canoe trip as floodwaters begin to rise in the Okavango Delta, flowing down from the highlands of Angola.
August
The temperature begins to rise again in August, but it's still a superb time for game viewing, and the Makgadikgadi Pans are now accessible through until October. Water is now scarce in many of the parks, making game viewing easy. It's a good time to visit Savute and Linyanti.
September
Days in September are hot with sunny blue skies, and the nights are no longer cold. It does get quite dusty out in the bush thanks to many months without rain, and game viewing is excellent as predators and prey alike hunt to find water.
October
October is warmer, and safari activities take place during early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the worst of the heat. This is one of the final month before the rains come and the ground is at its driest making for exceptional game viewing. If you don’t mind hot days this is one of the peak game viewing months
November
November remains hot, but the rains return mid-month, bringing the plains and forests back to life. If you want to see young animals being born, and lots of predator action, this is the month to come. With rates dropping in November and the rains often falling later on in the month the first 2 weeks of November are a very popular time to travel. It also ties in nicely with great weather in Cape Town and the garden route.
December
The rainy season is now in full swing with often short heavy down pours int he evening, days are still mostly sunny. landscapes are lush and there is plenty of wildlife activity as the newborns flourish.
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