Samburu (Kenya) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Samburu | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 165 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | July to September | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Samburu | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in January to February and April
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see crocodiles
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see wildebeest, kudu and eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Samburu or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Samburu is stronger in January to February and April. Tarangire is stronger in October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Samburu: July to September. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.