Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in December to April
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hippos and flamingos
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in May and July to November
- you want walking safaris, night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, oryx and kudu
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in December to April. Tarangire is stronger in May and July to November.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.