Chobe (Botswana) and Hwange (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Chobe | Hwange | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 11,700 km² | 14,650 km² |
| Best time | July to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kasane Airport (BBK) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Chobe | Hwange |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Chobe if
- you are travelling in May and July
- you want boat safaris and fishing
- you hope to see lechwe
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in March
- you want walking safaris and night drives
- you hope to see eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Chobe or Hwange?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Chobe is stronger in May and July. Hwange is stronger in March.
When is the best time for each?
Chobe: July to October. Hwange: August to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane · 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.