Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Nyerere (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Nyerere | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 30,893 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| 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 | Nyerere |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in December to May
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, flamingos and gazelles
Choose Nyerere if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want boat safaris and walking safaris
- you hope to see elephants, wildebeest, crocodiles, African wild dogs and kudu
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Nyerere?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in December to May. Nyerere is stronger in August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Nyerere: August to October.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · TANAPA - Nyerere National Park · SafariBookings - Nyerere climate · Weather2Travel - Selous climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.