Addo (South Africa) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 2–3 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 | — | 23 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want night drives, horseback safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, black rhino, eland and hyenas
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
- you hope to see hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.