Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Mana Pools | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Best time | August to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 650 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Mana Pools | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, camping and fishing
- you hope to see eland
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in December to July
- you want night drives
- you hope to see cheetahs, white rhino, giraffes and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Mana Pools or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mana Pools is stronger in October. Sabi Sand is stronger in December to July.
When is the best time for each?
Mana Pools: August to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
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) · 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.