Etosha (Namibia) and Hwange (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Hwange | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 14,650 km² |
| Best time | August to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Etosha | Hwange |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in December
- you hope to see black rhino, oryx, ostriches, flamingos and foxes
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in February to March
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see buffalo, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Hwange?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in December. Hwange is stronger in February to March.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Hwange: August to October.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.