Kruger (South Africa) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Kruger | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Kruger if
- you are travelling in April to May, July to September and November
- you hope to see wildebeest, crocodiles, African wild dogs and kudu
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you hope to see chimpanzees and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Kruger or Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in April to May, July to September and November. Ol Pejeta is stronger in December to March.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.