Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | Reserve | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | 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 | Ngorongoro | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in November
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, wildebeest, hippos, flamingos and eland
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in July to September
- you hope to see crocodiles and oryx
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ngorongoro is stronger in November. Samburu is stronger in July to September.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.