Bwindi (Uganda) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | Forest | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| 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 | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 April, June and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in August to October
- 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 Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April, June and November to December. Samburu is stronger in August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.