Central Kalahari (Botswana) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Central Kalahari | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 52,800 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | March to April | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| 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 | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 November to April
- you want camping, walking safaris, cultural visits and stargazing
- you hope to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and African wild dogs
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want hiking, scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and zebras
Central KalahariVictoria Falls
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Central Kalahari or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Central Kalahari is stronger in November to April. Victoria Falls is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Central Kalahari: March to April. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi · 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.