Amboseli (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 160 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) | 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 | Amboseli | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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, elephants, giraffes and zebras
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June and November to February
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in September to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June and November to February.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Volcanoes: 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) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.