Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–5 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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
- you want hiking
- you hope to see white rhino and flamingos
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in February and May to September
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, elephants, wildebeest, crocodiles and eland
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March. Serengeti is stronger in February and May to September.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.