Etosha (Namibia) and Lower Zambezi (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Lower Zambezi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zambia |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 4,092 km² |
| Best time | August to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Etosha | Lower Zambezi |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in March and November to January
- you want camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, giraffes, wildebeest and oryx
Choose Lower Zambezi if
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris and fishing
- you hope to see buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Lower Zambezi?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in March and November to January.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Lower Zambezi: August to October.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.