Madikwe (South Africa) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Madikwe | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | South Africa |
| Type | Reserve | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 750 km² | 650 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | None | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Madikwe | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Madikwe if
- you are travelling in December
- you hope to see black rhino and eland
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in June
- you hope to see crocodiles
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Madikwe or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Madikwe is stronger in December. Sabi Sand is stronger in June.
When is the best time for each?
Madikwe: July to September. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng) · 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.