Sabi Sand (South Africa) and Sossusvlei (Namibia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sabi Sand | Sossusvlei | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Namibia |
| Type | Private conservancy | Desert |
| Approx. area | 650 km² | — |
| Best time | June to September | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sabi Sand | 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Sabi Sand 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, Sabi Sand or Sossusvlei?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sabi Sand is stronger in April to October.
When is the best time for each?
Sabi Sand: June to September. Sossusvlei: January to March.
Sources: Sabi Sand Game Reserve site · Wikipedia - Sabi Sand Game Reserve · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · 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.