Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | June to September and December to February | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| 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 | Queen Elizabeth | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in August to November
- you want walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, African wild dogs and kudu
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.