Kruger (South Africa) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | July to September | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Kruger | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Kruger if
- you are travelling in April to May and July to September
- you want night drives
- you hope to see white rhino, crocodiles, African wild dogs and kudu
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in December to February
- you want hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see flamingos, gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Kruger or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in April to May and July to September. Ngorongoro is stronger in December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.