Akagera (Rwanda) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | July to August | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Akagera | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in December
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hippos and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in March to April and September to October
- you want walking safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, oryx, gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in December. Samburu is stronger in March to April and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.