Addo (South Africa) and Chobe (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Chobe | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Botswana |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Kasane Airport (BBK) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 11,700 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Chobe |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want night drives, horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, eland, ostriches and whales
Choose Chobe if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want boat safaris and fishing
- you hope to see cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest and hippos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Chobe?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in December to March. Chobe is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Chobe: July to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.