Amboseli (Kenya) and Bwindi (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Bwindi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | National park | Forest |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 321 km² |
| Best time | July 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) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| 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 | Amboseli | Bwindi |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in September to October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes and zebras
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April, June and November to February
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Bwindi?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in September to October. Bwindi is stronger in April, June and November to February.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Bwindi: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.