Addo (South Africa) and Central Kalahari (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Central Kalahari | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Best time | October to March | March to April |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 2–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 52,800 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Central Kalahari |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in October to February
- you want night drives, horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebras and whales
Choose Central Kalahari if
- you are travelling in April
- you want walking safaris, cultural visits and stargazing
- you hope to see cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, oryx and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Central Kalahari?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in October to February. Central Kalahari is stronger in April.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Central Kalahari: March to April.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.