Akagera (Rwanda) and Tsavo East (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Tsavo East | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 13,747 km² |
| Best time | July to August | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA) |
| 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 | Tsavo East |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in July and December
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see black rhino and white rhino
Choose Tsavo East if
- you are travelling in March and September to October
- you hope to see cheetahs, gazelles, oryx and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Tsavo East?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in July and December. Tsavo East is stronger in March and September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Tsavo East: August to September.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · 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.