Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Okavango Delta | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | South Africa |
| Type | Wetland | Private conservancy |
| Best time | July to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | 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 | Okavango Delta | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in October
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights, fishing and camping
- you hope to see lechwe and sable antelope
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in March and June
- you hope to see white rhino
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Okavango Delta or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in October. Sabi Sand is stronger in March and June.
When is the best time for each?
Okavango Delta: July to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun · 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.