Bwindi (Uganda) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Bwindi | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in June to July and December to April
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in August to November
- you want game drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and giraffes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in June to July and December to April. Ruaha is stronger in August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.