Amboseli (Kenya) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | July to September | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 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 | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Amboseli | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in December
- you hope to see wildebeest, hippos and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in April
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see leopards, crocodiles, oryx and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in December. Samburu is stronger in April.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.