Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Okavango Delta | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Wetland | National park |
| Best time | July to October | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 23 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Okavango Delta | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in all year
- you want walking safaris, night drives, fishing and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest and African wild dogs
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Okavango Delta or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in all year.
When is the best time for each?
Okavango Delta: July to October. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.