Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Masai Mara (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Masai Mara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 1,510 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Lake Nakuru | Masai Mara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March
- you want hiking
- you hope to see white rhino and flamingos
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in July to October
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives, horseback safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, crocodiles and eland
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Masai Mara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March. Masai Mara is stronger in July to October.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Masai Mara: June to October.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.