Bwindi (Uganda) and Lake Nakuru (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Lake Nakuru | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 188 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| 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 | Bwindi | Lake Nakuru |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in February, April to August and December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, black rhino, white rhino and buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Lake Nakuru?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in February, April to August and December. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.