Ngorongoro (Tanzania) and Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ngorongoro | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Uganda |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 8,292 km² | 1,978 km² |
| Best time | January to February and June to September | June to September and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | 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 | Ngorongoro | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in October
- you want hiking, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in December
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see crocodiles and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ngorongoro or Queen Elizabeth?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ngorongoro is stronger in October. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in December.
When is the best time for each?
Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September. Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February.
Sources: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.