Sossusvlei (Namibia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sossusvlei | Victoria Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Zimbabwe |
| Type | Desert | National park |
| Best time | January to March | May to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Approx. area | — | 23 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sossusvlei | Victoria Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want hot-air balloon flights, stargazing and camping
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and foxes
Choose Victoria Falls if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want boat safaris, game drives, canoeing and birdwatching
- you hope to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and giraffes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sossusvlei or Victoria Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sossusvlei is stronger in December to March. Victoria Falls is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Sossusvlei: January to March. Victoria Falls: May to October.
Sources: Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate · ZimParks - Victoria Falls National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Victoria Falls
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.