Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Rwanda |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ngorongoro | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in September to October
- you want game drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and black rhino
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and December
- you want gorilla trekking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ngorongoro is stronger in September to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June to July and December.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.