Ruaha (Tanzania) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ruaha | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 20,226 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | August to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Ruaha | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you hope to see hippos, African wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in July and December to March
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see oryx and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ruaha or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ruaha is stronger in October to November. Samburu is stronger in July and December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Ruaha: August to October. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.