Sabi Sand (South Africa) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sabi Sand | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zambia |
| Type | Private conservancy | National park |
| Approx. area | 650 km² | 9,050 km² |
| Best time | June to September | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sabi Sand | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in December to July
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino and wildebeest
Choose South Luangwa if
- you are travelling in October
- you want camping
- you hope to see eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sabi Sand or South Luangwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sabi Sand is stronger in December to July. South Luangwa is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Sabi Sand: June to September. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.