Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 20,226 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 | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 March
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino and flamingos
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in May and August to November
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, African wild dogs and kudu
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in May and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.