Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Mana Pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) |
| 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 | Hwange | Mana Pools |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 Hwange if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want night drives
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest and sable antelope
Choose Mana Pools if
- you want canoeing and fishing
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Mana Pools?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in November to March.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Mana Pools: August to October.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · 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.