Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to September and December to February | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Queen Elizabeth | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in September
- you want game drives, boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and crocodiles
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June to August, October and December
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in September. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June to August, October and December.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.