Discover the secret safari season!

Summer is one of the best times to be in the Botswana bush

If you're looking for an exceptional safari experience, summer in Botswana delivers and then some, with Feline Fields offering two extraordinary bases from which to explore. This time of year is a verdant and wildlife-rich spectacle and both Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai region and Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari offer contrasting yet complementary escapes, each showcasing a unique facet of Botswana’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Let's find out more...

It's summer! Also known as the green season, the emerald season and the secret safari season, this is the time of year when the Botswana bush is filled with life when the rains paint the landscape in vivid hues of green dotted with shimmering waterways, lagoons, waterholes full to overflowing and seasonal rivers full of life. It's a season that draws a wealth of bird and animal activity that is nothing short of mesmerising.

For those who have yet to experience a summer safari, a journey with Feline Fields is a revelation. The rains breathe new life into the bush of the Khwai region and the usually dry Kalahari, creating landscapes teeming with vitality and wonder. The interplay of dramatic skies and lush greenery creates a stunning backdrop for photography, while the abundance of young animals adds a heartwarming element to game drives. 

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp - an intimate and authentic safari haven overlooking the Mbudi Channel of the Khwai River - the summer landscape is a lush paradise filled with activity. Seasonal rains rejuvenate the area, filling floodplains and turning the dry bush into a thriving wilderness overflowing with new life.

The verdant plains and woodlands are alive with activity as antelope give birth to their young, predators follow in their wake, and migratory birds arrive in droves, adding a kaleidoscope of colour to the scenery. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, with countless resident and migrant species to marvel at.

Game drives at this time of year are remarkable; the Khwai region’s mosaic of habitats supports an extraordinary diversity of species. Elephants traverse the water channels, leopards stalk through the undergrowth, and lions roam the open grasslands. Night drives offer a thrilling chance to spot elusive nocturnal species, from bush babies to African wild cats. 

The camp itself captures the spirit of classic safari adventure while providing the comforts needed to fully savour the experience. With its small number of tents, the focus remains firmly on exclusivity and immersion in the wilderness. 

In contrast, Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari offers an entirely different, yet equally captivating safari experience. During summer the Kalahari transforms into an unexpected Eden. The rains bring an explosion of greenery, turning this semi arid region into a fertile wonderland filled with wildlife. This transformation attracts numerous species of plains game, including springbok, oryx, and zebra, which in turn draw predators such as leopards, lions and hyenas. 

The Kalahari’s summer skies are equally alive with birds, with an influx of migrants joining resident species to create a symphony of calls and colours. The southern carmine bee-eater makes another stunning appearance here, alongside the lilac-breasted roller and European rollers.

The lodge is a masterpiece of design and sustainability, offering an oasis of luxury in the remote wilderness. Built with natural materials and an emphasis on blending with the environment, it’s a retreat that redefines the concept of safari indulgence. Guests can unwind in spacious suites overlooking the vast expanse of the Kalahari or take a dip in the pool after a morning of exploration. 

Activities here go beyond traditional game drives; walking safaris; guided cycling and horse safaris allow for a deeper connection with the environment, where you can appreciate the smaller wonders of the Kalahari’s ecosystem. From the enchanting bark of a gecko to the intricate patterns of a beetle’s shell, every detail contributes to the region’s magic.

Spending time at Feline Fields — whether marvelling at the Delta’s wildlife-rich floodplains or discovering the Kalahari’s hidden treasures — is more than just a safari. It’s an invitation to connect with nature in its most vivid and unfiltered form. In every sunrise, every animal encounter, and every birdsong, the magic of Botswana’s green season comes alive, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

Want to go?

Combine the awe-inspiring beauty of Feline Fields' properties in Botswana and the magic of The Victoria Falls with our Falls, Delta and Desert package. This bespoke nine-night package has been crafted for couples seeking unforgettable moments. 

Begin with two nights of indulgence at Mbano Manor, a luxurious retreat near Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this natural wonder. Then, head out to Feline Fields Vintage Camp for four nights before taking a helicopter transfer to Feline Fields Lodge for three nights. 

This package includes all the essentials: road transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport to Mbano Manor and onward to Kasane, a scenic flight from Kasane to Khwai, and the spectacular helicopter transfer between the Delta and the Kalahari. End your adventure with a road transfer back to Maun. 

This is the perfect escape if you're looking for romance or the chance to reconnect with your partner, all for just $11,600 per person, sharing.