Pilanesberg (South Africa) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Pilanesberg | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | National park | Desert |
| Approx. area | 550 km² | — |
| Best time | July to September | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–3 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 | Pilanesberg | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Pilanesberg if
- you are travelling in April to October
- you want game drives, night drives, walking safaris and birdwatching
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and white rhino
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you want hiking, scenic flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Pilanesberg or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Pilanesberg is stronger in April to October.
When is the best time for each?
Pilanesberg: July to September. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: North West Parks Board · Pilanesberg National Park - travel information · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - South Africa (Pretoria, 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.