Kruger (South Africa) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Present | 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 | Kruger | 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Kruger if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want game drives, walking safaris, night drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and white rhino
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, Kruger or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · 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.