Sossusvlei (Namibia) and White Desert (Egypt) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sossusvlei | White Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Namibia | Egypt |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | January to March | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) | Cairo International Airport (CAI) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Approx. area | — | 3,010 km² |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sossusvlei | White Desert |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Sossusvlei if
- you are travelling in all year
- you want hot-air balloon flights and scenic flights
- you hope to see oryx, ostriches and birdlife
Choose White Desert if
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sossusvlei or White Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sossusvlei is stronger in all year.
When is the best time for each?
Sossusvlei: January to March. White Desert: January to March.
Sources: Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate · Egyptian Tourism Authority - The White Desert · EEAA - White Desert Protected Area Management Plan · Wikipedia - Farafra (NOAA 1961-1990 climate normals) · Japan Meteorological Agency - Farafra climate normals
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.