Ol Pejeta (Kenya) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ol Pejeta | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | Private conservancy | National park |
| Approx. area | 360 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| 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 | Ol Pejeta | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want night drives
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino and chimpanzees
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in May and August to November
- you hope to see crocodiles, African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ol Pejeta or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ol Pejeta is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in May and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.