Tsavo West (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Tsavo West | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 9,065 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | August to September | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Present | 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 | Tsavo West | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Tsavo West if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and black rhino
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tsavo West or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Tsavo West is stronger in August to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June to July and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Tsavo West: August to September. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.