Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | 650 km² |
| Best time | August to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Hwange | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want camping
- you hope to see sable antelope and eland
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in April to July
- you hope to see white rhino
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in October to November. Sabi Sand is stronger in April to July.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.