Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| 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 | Ngorongoro | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see black rhino, wildebeest, flamingos and ostriches
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in August to November
- you hope to see crocodiles, African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ngorongoro is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.