Chobe (Botswana) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Chobe | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 11,700 km² | — |
| Best time | July to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 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 | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Chobe | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Chobe if
- you are travelling in April to November
- you want game drives, boat safaris, birdwatching and fishing
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and cheetahs
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Chobe or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Chobe is stronger in April to November.
When is the best time for each?
Chobe: July to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane · 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.