Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | June to October | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | Present |
| 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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
- you want night drives, horseback safaris and cultural visits
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in January to March and May to June
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in October. Serengeti is stronger in January to March and May to June.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.