Bwindi (Uganda) and Masai Mara (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Masai Mara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | Forest | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 1,510 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | June to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Bwindi | Masai Mara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in December to June
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in September to October
- you want game drives, hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Masai Mara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in December to June. Masai Mara is stronger in September to October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Masai Mara: June to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.