Akagera (Rwanda) and Lake Nakuru (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Lake Nakuru | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 188 km² |
| Best time | July to August | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Akagera | Lake Nakuru |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in May and July to August
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see elephants, crocodiles and eland
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March to April and October to November
- you want hiking
- you hope to see flamingos and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Lake Nakuru?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in May and July to August. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March to April and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.