Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Tsavo East (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Tsavo East | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 13,747 km² |
| Best time | June to September and December to February | August to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA) |
| 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 | Tsavo East |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in April and November to December
- you want boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Tsavo East if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, gazelles and oryx
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Tsavo East?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in April and November to December. Tsavo East is stronger in August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Tsavo East: August to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East National Park · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Voi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.