Addo (South Africa) and Etosha (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Etosha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Best time | October to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 22,935 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Etosha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want horseback safaris and hiking
- you hope to see buffalo and whales
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in June to October
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, oryx and flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Etosha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in December to March. Etosha is stronger in June to October.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Etosha: August to October.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.