Chobe (Botswana) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Chobe | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 11,700 km² | 650 km² |
| Best time | July to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kasane Airport (BBK) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Chobe | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Chobe if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want boat safaris, fishing and camping
- you hope to see lechwe and sable antelope
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in March and June
- you want walking safaris and night drives
- you hope to see white rhino
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Chobe or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Chobe is stronger in October to November. Sabi Sand is stronger in March and June.
When is the best time for each?
Chobe: July to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane · 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.