Amboseli (Kenya) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Amboseli | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in May and July to September
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see wildebeest
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March to April
- you want night drives and walking safaris
- you hope to see leopards, black rhino, white rhino and chimpanzees
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in May and July to September. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March to April.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.