Tarangire (Tanzania) and Tsavo West (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Tarangire | Tsavo West | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 2,850 km² | 9,065 km² |
| Best time | July to October | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| 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 | Tarangire | Tsavo West |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July and October to December
- you want walking safaris, night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see wildebeest, kudu and ostriches
Choose Tsavo West if
- you are travelling in January to February
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, hippos and crocodiles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tarangire or Tsavo West?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Tarangire is stronger in July and October to December. Tsavo West is stronger in January to February.
When is the best time for each?
Tarangire: July to October. Tsavo West: August to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station) · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.