Madikwe (South Africa) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Madikwe | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Botswana |
| Type | Reserve | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 750 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| 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 | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Madikwe if
- you are travelling in March and December
- you hope to see white rhino, black rhino and eland
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights, fishing and camping
- you hope to see crocodiles, lechwe and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Madikwe or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Madikwe is stronger in March and December. Okavango Delta is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Madikwe: July to September. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng) · 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.