Hwange (Zimbabwe) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Hwange | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 14,650 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Hwange | 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Hwange if
- you are travelling in May to November
- you want game drives, walking safaris, night drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and cheetahs
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Hwange or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Hwange is stronger in May to November.
When is the best time for each?
Hwange: August to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: ZimParks - Hwange National Park · Zimbabwe Tourism - Hwange National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Hwange National Park · 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.