Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | June to September 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 | Queen Elizabeth | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in April and December to February
- you want boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see hippos, crocodiles and chimpanzees
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July to November
- you want walking safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon flights and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and oryx
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in April and December to February. Tarangire is stronger in July to November.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese 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.