Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| 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 | Lower Zambezi | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 Lower Zambezi if
- you hope to see eland
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May, July and December to March
- you want scenic flights and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, lechwe and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in May, July and December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.