Nyerere (Tanzania) and Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Nyerere | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 30,893 km² | 1,978 km² |
| Best time | August to October | June to September and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Nyerere | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Nyerere if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, African wild dogs and kudu
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in December to May
- you want chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Nyerere or Queen Elizabeth?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Nyerere is stronger in August to October. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in December to May.
When is the best time for each?
Nyerere: August to October. Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February.
Sources: TANAPA - Nyerere National Park · SafariBookings - Nyerere climate · Weather2Travel - Selous climate · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.