Addo (South Africa) and Lower Zambezi (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Lower Zambezi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zambia |
| 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) | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 4,092 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Lower Zambezi |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 November to March
- you want horseback safaris, hiking and camping
- you hope to see black rhino, ostriches and whales
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris and fishing
- you hope to see hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Lower Zambezi?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. Lower Zambezi is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Lower Zambezi: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.