Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) and Pilanesberg (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Mana Pools | Pilanesberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | August to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 1–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | None |
| Approx. area | — | 550 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Mana Pools | Pilanesberg |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want canoeing and fishing
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in July and December to May
- you want night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, black rhino, giraffes and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Mana Pools or Pilanesberg?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mana Pools is stronger in October to November. Pilanesberg is stronger in July and December to May.
When is the best time for each?
Mana Pools: August to October. Pilanesberg: July to September.
Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.