Amboseli (Kenya) and Lake Nakuru (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Lake Nakuru | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 188 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Amboseli | Lake Nakuru |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in May and July to September
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest and eland
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March to April and November
- you want hiking
- you hope to see leopards, black rhino, white rhino and flamingos
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Lake Nakuru?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in May and July to September. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March to April and November.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.