Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | August to October | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | 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 | Hwange | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| 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 June to March
- you want walking safaris, night drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs and hyenas
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking, scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in June to March.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.