Sossusvlei (Namibia) and South Luangwa (Zambia) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sossusvlei | South Luangwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zambia |
| Type | Desert | National park |
| Best time | January to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Mfuwe International Airport (MFU) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 9,050 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sossusvlei | South Luangwa |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want hiking, hot-air balloon flights, scenic flights and stargazing
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Choose South Luangwa if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want game drives, walking safaris, night drives and birdwatching
- you hope to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and giraffes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sossusvlei or South Luangwa?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sossusvlei is stronger in December to March. South Luangwa is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Sossusvlei: January to March. South Luangwa: August to October.
Sources: Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate · Zambia Tourism - South Luangwa National Park · Zambia Tourism - Mfuwe International Airport · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Zambia (Mfuwe)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.