Madikwe (South Africa) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Madikwe | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | Reserve | Desert |
| Approx. area | 750 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Madikwe | 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Madikwe if
- you are travelling in April 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, stargazing and camping
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Madikwe or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Madikwe is stronger in April to October.
When is the best time for each?
Madikwe: July to September. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: North West Parks Board · South African Tourism - Madikwe · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Mahikeng) · 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.