Amboseli (Kenya) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | July to September | January to February and June to September |
| 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 | 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 | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in July to September and December
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in January to February, April and November
- you want hiking and walking safaris
- you hope to see leopards, black rhino, flamingos and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in July to September and December. Ngorongoro is stronger in January to February, April and November.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.