Addo (South Africa) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Addo | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Best time | October to March | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Addo | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Addo if
- you are travelling in October to March
- you want game drives, night drives, horseback safaris and birdwatching
- you hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and black rhino
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Addo or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Addo is stronger in October to March.
When is the best time for each?
Addo: October to March. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.