Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and Madikwe (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | Madikwe | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | 750 km² |
| Best time | August to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | 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 | Lower Zambezi | Madikwe |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris and fishing
- you hope to see crocodiles
Choose Madikwe if
- you are travelling in July and December to May
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, black rhino, giraffes and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or Madikwe?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lower Zambezi is stronger in October. Madikwe is stronger in July and December to May.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. Madikwe: July to September.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.