Ruaha (Tanzania) and Tsavo East (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ruaha | Tsavo East | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 20,226 km² | 13,747 km² |
| Best time | August to October | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA) |
| 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 | Tsavo East |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in April and October to November
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
Choose Tsavo East if
- you are travelling in January to March
- you hope to see oryx and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ruaha or Tsavo East?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ruaha is stronger in April and October to November. Tsavo East is stronger in January to March.
When is the best time for each?
Ruaha: August to October. Tsavo East: August to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East National Park · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Voi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.