Masai Mara (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to October | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| 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 | Masai Mara | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in September to October
- you want game drives, hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and black rhino
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in December to June
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in September to October. Volcanoes is stronger in December to June.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.