Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Mana Pools | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | August to October | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 23 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Mana Pools | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| 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 are travelling in June to November
- you want walking safaris, camping and fishing
- you hope to see lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas and eland
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking, scenic flights and boat safaris
- you hope to see giraffes and sable antelope
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Mana Pools or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mana Pools is stronger in June to November.
When is the best time for each?
Mana Pools: August to October. Victoria Falls: May 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) · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.