Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Namibia |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you are travelling in November to March
- you want dune bashing and cultural visits
- you hope to see gazelles and camels
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in May to September
- you want hot-air balloon flights and scenic flights
- you hope to see birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Empty Quarter is stronger in November to March. Sossusvlei is stronger in May to September.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Arab News – Saudi desert gateway fast becoming the next tourist hotspot (2021) · Wikipedia – 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid · Visit Saudi Booking – Empty Quarter expedition · Weather Spark – Sharurah Domestic Airport climate · 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.