Amboseli (Kenya) and Masai Mara (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Masai Mara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 1,510 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | 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 | Amboseli | Masai Mara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in March, May and September
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in April and November
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see leopards, black rhino, crocodiles and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Masai Mara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in March, May and September. Masai Mara is stronger in April and November.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Masai Mara: June to October.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.