Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | 650 km² |
| Best time | August to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | 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 | Lower Zambezi | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris and fishing
- you hope to see eland
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in December to July
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, giraffes and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lower Zambezi is stronger in October. Sabi Sand is stronger in December to July.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · 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.