Samburu (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Samburu | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 165 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 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 | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Samburu | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want game drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Samburu or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Samburu is stronger in August to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Samburu: July to September. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.