Kruger (South Africa) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Mana Pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Kruger | 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Kruger if
- you are travelling in May, July and December to March
- you want night drives
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, black rhino, giraffes and wildebeest
Choose Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing and fishing
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Kruger or Mana Pools?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in May, July and December to March. Mana Pools is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Mana Pools: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · 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.