Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Mana Pools | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zimbabwe | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Best time | August to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE) | 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 | Mana Pools | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 Mana Pools if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want game drives, walking safaris, canoeing, birdwatching and fishing
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and African wild dogs
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in December to March
- 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, Mana Pools or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mana Pools is stronger in May to October. Sossusvlei is stronger in December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Mana Pools: August to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy) · 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.