Bwindi (Uganda) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | Forest | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| 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 | Bwindi | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and December
- you want gorilla trekking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in October
- you want game drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and buffalo
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April, June to July and December. Ngorongoro is stronger in October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.