Masai Mara (Kenya) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | June to October | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| 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 | Masai Mara | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in July to August, October and December
- you want hot-air balloon flights, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see crocodiles
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in January to March and May
- you want hiking
- you hope to see flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in July to August, October and December. Ngorongoro is stronger in January to March and May.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.