Sabi Sand (South Africa) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sabi Sand | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Private conservancy | National park |
| Approx. area | 650 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | June to September | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| 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 | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in November to September
- you want walking safaris and night drives
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, white rhino and wildebeest
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking, scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
- you hope to see sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sabi Sand or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sabi Sand is stronger in November to September.
When is the best time for each?
Sabi Sand: June to September. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · 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.