Akagera (Rwanda) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | July to August | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| 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 | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in July and December to March
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see black rhino and white rhino
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in April and September to November
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, African wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in July and December to March. Ruaha is stronger in April and September to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.