Kruger (South Africa) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| Big Five | Present | 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 | Kruger | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Kruger if
- you are travelling in March
- you hope to see white rhino, black rhino and eland
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see lechwe and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Kruger or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in March. Okavango Delta is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.