Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | July to September |
| 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 | 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 | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and November to December
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hippos and flamingos
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in May and July to September
- you want walking safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, oryx and ostriches
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and November to December. Samburu is stronger in May and July to September.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.