Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and December
- you hope to see white rhino
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in February and May
- you want walking safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, eland and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and December. Ngorongoro is stronger in February and May.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.