Bwindi (Uganda) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April, June and December to February
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in September to November
- you want game drives, walking safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon flights and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and giraffes
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April, June and December to February. Tarangire is stronger in September to November.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.