Bwindi (Uganda) and Tsavo West (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Tsavo West | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 9,065 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | August 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 | 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 | Tsavo West |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Tsavo West if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Tsavo West?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April, June to July and November to December. Tsavo West is stronger in August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Tsavo West: August to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.