Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 1,978 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to September and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Nakuru | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and October
- you want hiking and camping
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, giraffes, zebras and flamingos
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in May
- you want boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see elephants, crocodiles and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Queen Elizabeth?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and October. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in May.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.