Chobe (Botswana) and Etosha (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Chobe | Etosha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Namibia |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 11,700 km² | 22,935 km² |
| Best time | July to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kasane Airport (BBK) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Chobe | Etosha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Chobe if
- you are travelling in February, May and July
- you want boat safaris and fishing
- you hope to see buffalo, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles and lechwe
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in December
- you want night drives
- you hope to see black rhino, oryx, eland, ostriches and flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Chobe or Etosha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Chobe is stronger in February, May and July. Etosha is stronger in December.
When is the best time for each?
Chobe: July to October. Etosha: August to October.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane · MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.