Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| 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 | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in March and November
- you hope to see eland
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May and July
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see lechwe
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in March and November. Okavango Delta is stronger in May and July.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.