Okavango Delta (Botswana) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Okavango Delta | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Zambia |
| Type | Wetland | National park |
| Best time | July to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 9,050 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Okavango Delta | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in May, July and December to March
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see cheetahs, wildebeest, lechwe and sable antelope
Choose South Luangwa if
- you hope to see eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Okavango Delta or South Luangwa?
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?
Okavango Delta: July to October. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.