Masai Mara (Kenya) and Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 1,978 km² |
| Best time | June to October | June to September and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| Big Five | Present | 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 | Masai Mara | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in July to October
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives, horseback safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in March and May
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Queen Elizabeth?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in July to October. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in March and May.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.