Addo (South Africa) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Best time | October to March | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| 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 | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| 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 November to March
- you want horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, eland, ostriches and whales
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos and crocodiles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. Okavango Delta is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Okavango Delta: 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 - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.