Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| 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 | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and September to October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, black rhino, white rhino and giraffes
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in February, April to August and December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and September to October. Volcanoes is stronger in February, April to August and December.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.