Okavango Delta (Botswana) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Okavango Delta | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Botswana | Namibia |
| Type | Wetland | Desert |
| Best time | July to October | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Maun Airport (MUB) | 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 | Okavango Delta | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 Okavango Delta if
- you are travelling in April to October
- you want game drives, canoeing, boat safaris, walking safaris and night drives
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffalo
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Okavango Delta or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Okavango Delta is stronger in April to October.
When is the best time for each?
Okavango Delta: July to October. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Okavango Delta · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Okavango Delta · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Maun · Weather Spark - Maun · 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.