Etosha (Namibia) and Okavango Delta (Botswana) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Okavango Delta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Botswana |
| Type | National park | Wetland |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Maun Airport (MUB) |
| 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 | Okavango Delta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in November to December
- you hope to see black rhino, oryx, eland, ostriches and flamingos
Choose Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in February, May and July
- you want canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris, scenic flights and fishing
- you hope to see buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs and lechwe
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Okavango Delta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in November to December. Okavango Delta is stronger in February, May and July.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Okavango Delta: July to October.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.