Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Pilanesberg (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Pilanesberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | 550 km² |
| Best time | August to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Hwange | Pilanesberg |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in March and October to November
- you hope to see sable antelope
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in February, April to May and July
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see white rhino and black rhino
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Pilanesberg?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in March and October to November. Pilanesberg is stronger in February, April to May and July.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Pilanesberg: July to September.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.