Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to September 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 | Queen Elizabeth | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in November to December
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see hippos and chimpanzees
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in July to October
- you want walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, oryx and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in November to December. Samburu is stronger in July to October.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.