Etosha (Namibia) and Pilanesberg (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Pilanesberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | South Africa |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 550 km² |
| Best time | August to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Etosha | Pilanesberg |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in October to December
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches, flamingos and foxes
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in February, April to May and July
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see white rhino, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Pilanesberg?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in October to December. Pilanesberg is stronger in February, April to May and July.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Pilanesberg: July to September.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · 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.