Central Kalahari (Botswana) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Central Kalahari | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Namibia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 52,800 km² | — |
| Best time | March to April | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Central Kalahari | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Central Kalahari if
- you are travelling in January to May
- you want game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits and birdwatching
- you hope to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and African wild dogs
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights and scenic flights
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Central Kalahari or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Central Kalahari is stronger in January to May.
When is the best time for each?
Central Kalahari: March to April. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi · 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.