Addo (South Africa) and Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Mana Pools | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Mana Pools |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 November to March
- you want night drives, horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, ostriches and whales
Choose Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want walking safaris, canoeing and fishing
- you hope to see African wild dogs, hippos and crocodiles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Mana Pools?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. Mana Pools is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Mana Pools: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.