Pilanesberg (South Africa) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Pilanesberg | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 550 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | July to September | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Pilanesberg | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in December to September
- you want night drives, hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, white rhino and black rhino
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking, scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
- you hope to see sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pilanesberg or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Pilanesberg is stronger in December to September.
When is the best time for each?
Pilanesberg: July to September. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, Mahikeng) · 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.