Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Queen Elizabeth | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,978 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | June to September and December to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–5 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you want boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in May to October
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Queen Elizabeth or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Serengeti is stronger in May to October.
When is the best time for each?
Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kasese normals) · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.