Ol Pejeta (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Ol Pejeta | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | Private conservancy | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 360 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Low risk: check with a doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Ol Pejeta | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March and September to October
- you want game drives, night drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and black rhino
Choose Volcanoes 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
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ol Pejeta or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March and September to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April to August and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.