Akagera (Rwanda) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | July to August | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–5 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see white rhino
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in January to June and September to November
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, wildebeest, gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Serengeti is stronger in January to June and September to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.