Serengeti (Tanzania) and Tsavo West (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Serengeti | Tsavo West | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 14,763 km² | 9,065 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| 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 | Serengeti | Tsavo West |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and November to December
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see wildebeest and ostriches
Choose Tsavo West if
- you want hiking
- you hope to see oryx
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Serengeti or Tsavo West?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Serengeti is stronger in April, June to July and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Serengeti: January to February and June to September. Tsavo West: August to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.