Samburu (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Samburu | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 165 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | July to September | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Samburu | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Samburu if
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see oryx
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in May to June and November to December
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see black rhino, wildebeest, hippos and eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Samburu or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Serengeti is stronger in May to June and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Samburu: July to September. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.