Kruger (South Africa) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Kruger | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | South Africa | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 19,485 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | July to September | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 3–5 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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
- you want night drives
- you hope to see white rhino, African wild dogs and kudu
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in June and December to February
- you want hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Kruger or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Kruger is stronger in April. Serengeti is stronger in June and December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Kruger: July to September. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.