Etosha (Namibia) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Etosha | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zambia |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 22,935 km² | 9,050 km² |
| Best time | August to October | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| 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 | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 November to January
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, wildebeest, oryx and ostriches
Choose South Luangwa if
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Etosha or South Luangwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Etosha is stronger in March and November to January.
When is the best time for each?
Etosha: August to October. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: MEFT Namibia - Etosha National Park · Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Etosha National Park · Weather2Travel - Etosha climate · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.