Addo (South Africa) and Pilanesberg (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Pilanesberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | South Africa |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 1–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 550 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Pilanesberg |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 ostriches and whales
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in April to September
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, giraffes, wildebeest and hippos
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Pilanesberg?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. Pilanesberg is stronger in April to September.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Pilanesberg: July to September.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.