Akagera (Rwanda) and Bwindi (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Bwindi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Uganda |
| Type | National park | Forest |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 321 km² |
| Best time | July to August | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| 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 | Akagera | Bwindi |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in August
- you want game drives, boat safaris, night drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, black rhino, white rhino and buffalo
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in June and November to April
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Bwindi?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in August. Bwindi is stronger in June and November to April.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Bwindi: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.