Addo (South Africa) and Hwange (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Hwange | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 14,650 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Hwange |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, ostriches and whales
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest and hippos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Hwange?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in December to March. Hwange is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Hwange: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.