Lower Zambezi (Zambia) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lower Zambezi | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Zambia | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 4,092 km² | — |
| Best time | August to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) | 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 | Lower Zambezi | 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 Lower Zambezi if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want game drives, canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris and night drives
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and hippos
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights, stargazing and camping
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lower Zambezi or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lower Zambezi is stronger in May to October. Sossusvlei is stronger in December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Lower Zambezi: August to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Zambia Tourism - Lower Zambezi National Park · 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.