Addo (South Africa) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zambia |
| 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) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 9,050 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| 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 horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, ostriches and whales
Choose South Luangwa if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or South Luangwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in November to March. South Luangwa is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.