Eiseb Conservancy

Eiseb Conservancy is a protected area in Botswana.

Eiseb Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Southern Kalahari & Kgalagadi, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-20.889536, 20.499935
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to Eiseb Conservancy

Nearest airport: Gam Airstrip (FYGA), 79 km away.

Big Five in Eiseb Conservancy

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Eiseb Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Eiseb Conservancy occur in November, averaging 27.7°C (up to 34.6°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 15.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 31.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.2°C (rainfall: 115.5mm)
  • February: 25.5°C (rainfall: 110.0mm)
  • March: 24.2°C (rainfall: 42.9mm)
  • April: 22.1°C (rainfall: 7.4mm)
  • May: 19.0°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • June: 15.3°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • July: 15.3°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • August: 19.2°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 23.8°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • October: 26.6°C (rainfall: 10.2mm)
  • November: 27.7°C (rainfall: 9.9mm)
  • December: 27.4°C (rainfall: 54.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Eiseb Conservancy

The best months to visit Eiseb Conservancy are April, May, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.23°C, rainfall 115.5mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 58.7%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.5°C, rainfall 110mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 56.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.24°C, rainfall 42.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 57.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.12°C, rainfall 7.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 49.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 19.02°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 33.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 15.33°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 36.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 15.34°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 31.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.22°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 23.4%
  • September: Great, temperature 23.79°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 21%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 10.2mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 23.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.73°C, rainfall 9.9mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 35.4%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.42°C, rainfall 54.9mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 44.5%

Wildlife in Eiseb Conservancy

Home to 4 recorded species including 2 iconic birds, 1 birds of prey, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Eiseb Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 22.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 39%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Southern Kalahari & Kgalagadi

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Eiseb Conservancy FAQs

What makes Eiseb Conservancy a unique safari destination compared to Botswana's more famous national parks?

Eiseb Conservancy offers an exceptionally private and intimate safari experience, largely due to its 1/5 crowding level, ensuring a truly exclusive encounter with the wilderness. As a community-run conservancy, it often provides opportunities for cultural interaction and directly supports local conservation initiatives, distinguishing it from traditional national parks.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter in Eiseb Conservancy, and are there any particular species it's known for?

Eiseb Conservancy is renowned for its healthy populations of plains game, including large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and springbok, which attract predators like cheetah and brown hyena. While not a primary Big Five destination, it offers excellent sightings of these unique desert-adapted species and diverse birdlife.

When is the optimal time to visit Eiseb Conservancy for wildlife viewing and what are the seasonal considerations?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around limited water sources, making them easier to spot. During the green season (November-April), the landscape transforms, offering stunning photographic opportunities and excellent birdwatching, though game can be more dispersed.

What kind of safari activities and accommodation options are available within Eiseb Conservancy, given its remote and uncrowded nature?

Eiseb Conservancy primarily offers exclusive, low-impact safari experiences, often featuring private game drives, guided bush walks, and cultural visits to local communities. Accommodation typically consists of small, eco-friendly tented camps or lodges that emphasize privacy and an authentic wilderness immersion.

How accessible is Eiseb Conservancy for travelers, and what are the typical logistical considerations for planning a trip?

Access to Eiseb Conservancy usually involves charter flights to nearby airstrips, followed by road transfers, reflecting its remote and pristine nature. Due to its conservancy status and exclusive offerings, costs can be higher than more mainstream parks, but this ensures a truly uncrowded and impactful safari experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.