Ras Al Khaimah Desert (United Arab Emirates) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ras Al Khaimah Desert | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Namibia |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to February | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ras Al Khaimah Desert | Sossusvlei |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Ras Al Khaimah Desert if
- you are travelling in October to April
- you want game drives, dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides
- you hope to see gazelles and camels
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in June to August
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights and scenic flights
- you hope to see ostriches
Ras Al Khaimah DesertSossusvlei
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ras Al Khaimah Desert or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ras Al Khaimah Desert is stronger in October to April. Sossusvlei is stronger in June to August.
When is the best time for each?
Ras Al Khaimah Desert: December to February. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Desert experiences · Visit Ras Al Khaimah – Sonara Camp Al Wadi · Weather Spark – Ras al-Khaimah climate · 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.