Etosha (Namibia) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Etosha | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Etosha if
- you are travelling in May to November
- you want game drives, night drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and black rhino
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in February
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in May to November. Sossusvlei is stronger in February.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha 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.