Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 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 | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Nakuru | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 November
- you want hiking
- you hope to see flamingos
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you want night drives and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, chimpanzees 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 Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in November.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · 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.