Central Kalahari (Botswana) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Central Kalahari | Mana Pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 52,800 km² | — |
| Best time | March to April | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Central Kalahari | Mana Pools |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Central Kalahari if
- you are travelling in December to April
- you want cultural visits and stargazing
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, oryx, wildebeest and meerkats
Choose Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want canoeing and fishing
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and zebras
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Central Kalahari or Mana Pools?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Central Kalahari is stronger in December to April. Mana Pools is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Central Kalahari: March to April. Mana Pools: August to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi · ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.