Etosha (Namibia) and Sabi Sand (South Africa) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Sabi Sand | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | South Africa |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 650 km² |
| Best time | August to October | June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Etosha | Sabi Sand |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in October to December
- you want camping
- you hope to see black rhino, oryx, eland, ostriches and flamingos
Choose Sabi Sand if
- you are travelling in February to July
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see white rhino, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Sabi Sand?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in October to December. Sabi Sand is stronger in February to July.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Sabi Sand: June to September.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.