Bwindi (Uganda) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | Forest | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| 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 | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April to August and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March and October
- you want game drives, night drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhino and white rhino
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April to August and November to December. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March and October.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.