Rains often begin around mid-December, although can start in November. They normally peak during January and February and peter out in March. Self-drive tours can be demanding as the clay soil is difficult in places to negotiate, but much of the Chobe River area is accessible. Temperatures and humidity are high during these hotter months and mosquitoes are out in force. As the rains irrigate the land, a striking variety of wild flowers appear. Bird life is absolutely amazing and it is the calving and lambing season for many animals; a timely delight for hungry predators queueing for a 'take away'. If you can put up with stretches of knee-deep mud and a torrential downpour or six, then Chobe at this time of year is a real treat.