Masai Mara (Kenya) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Kenya |
| Type | Reserve | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to October | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Masai Mara | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in October to December
- you want hot-air balloon flights, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see black rhino, wildebeest, hippos and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in March, May and September
- you hope to see oryx
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in October to December. Samburu is stronger in March, May and September.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.