Kalahari, Botswana: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Kalahari, Botswana? If you're planning to go to Kalahari, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kalahari
- Important essentials for Kalahari
- Activities for Kalahari
- Kalahari in January: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in February: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in March: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in April: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in May: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in June: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in July: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in August: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in September: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in October: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in November: weather and what to pack
- Kalahari in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Kalahari, Botswana
Based on the climate and weather in Kalahari, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kalahari, Botswana
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kalahari, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly option.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one works in most areas, but check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kalahari may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
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For families with young children
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Kalahari, Botswana by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Kalahari can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
February
February for Kalahari can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
March
March in Kalahari can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
April
If you vacation in Kalahari during April, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
May
If you go to Kalahari in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
June
If you are traveling to Kalahari in June, you will notice that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). There is frost 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
July
If you vacation in Kalahari during July, you may notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
August
August in Kalahari is warm and very dry with almost no rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). There is frost sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
September
If you go to Kalahari in September, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
October
Traveling to Kalahari in October, you will notice that it can be very hot and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you visit Kalahari during November, you may find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
December
If you visit Kalahari during December, you will probably find that it is blindingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and include UV protection.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
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