Akagera (Rwanda) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | July to August | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Akagera | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in July to August and December
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see white rhino and crocodiles
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in January to April and October to November
- you want hiking, walking safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, wildebeest, flamingos, gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in July to August and December. Ngorongoro is stronger in January to April and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.