Pilanesberg (South Africa) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Pilanesberg | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 550 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | July to September | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Pilanesberg | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in April
- you want night drives
- you hope to see white rhino, African wild dogs and kudu
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in June and November to March
- you hope to see gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pilanesberg or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Pilanesberg is stronger in April. Serengeti is stronger in June and November to March.
When is the best time for each?
Pilanesberg: July to September. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.