Ruaha (Tanzania) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ruaha | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 20,226 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | August to October | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | 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 | Ruaha | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in August to November
- you want game drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in June to July and December to April
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ruaha or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ruaha is stronger in August to November. Volcanoes is stronger in June to July and December to April.
When is the best time for each?
Ruaha: August to October. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.