Madikwe (South Africa) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Madikwe | Mana Pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 750 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Madikwe | 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Madikwe if
- you are travelling in July and December to May
- 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, camping and fishing
- you hope to see crocodiles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Madikwe or Mana Pools?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Madikwe is stronger in July and December to May. Mana Pools is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Madikwe: July to September. Mana Pools: August to October.
Sources: North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng) · 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.