Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Pilanesberg (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Okavango Delta | Pilanesberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | South Africa |
| Type | Wetland | National park |
| Best time | July to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 1–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | None |
| Approx. area | — | 550 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Okavango Delta | Pilanesberg |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see lechwe and sable antelope
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in February
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see white rhino, black rhino and eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Okavango Delta or Pilanesberg?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in October to November. Pilanesberg is stronger in February.
When is the best time for each?
Okavango Delta: July to October. Pilanesberg: July to September.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun · North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.