Addo (South Africa) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Best time | October to March | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | None | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 650 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want horseback safaris, hiking and camping
- you hope to see black rhino, eland, ostriches and whales
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in April to September
- you want 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 Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. Sabi Sand is stronger in April to September.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.