Tarangire (Tanzania) and Tsavo East (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Tarangire | Tsavo East | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 2,850 km² | 13,747 km² |
| Best time | July to October | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Tarangire | Tsavo East |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July and October to December
- you want walking safaris, night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see wildebeest and kudu
Choose Tsavo East if
- you are travelling in January to February
- you hope to see hippos and crocodiles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tarangire or Tsavo East?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Tarangire is stronger in July and October to December. Tsavo East is stronger in January to February.
When is the best time for each?
Tarangire: July to October. Tsavo East: August to September.
Sources: TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East National Park · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Voi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.