Etosha (Namibia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zimbabwe |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 23 km² |
| Best time | August to October | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| 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 | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| 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 March and June to January
- you want night drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and wildebeest
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you want hiking, scenic flights, boat safaris and canoeing
- you hope to see buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in March and June to January.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.