Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Mana Pools | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Best time | August to October | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Mana Pools | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Mana Pools if
- you hope to see eland
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May, July and December to March
- you want boat safaris, night drives and scenic flights
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, lechwe and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Mana Pools or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in May, July and December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Mana Pools: August to October. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · 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.