Tarangire (Tanzania) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Tarangire | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 2,850 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | July to October | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Tarangire | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in September to November
- you want game drives, walking safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon flights and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June and December to February
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tarangire or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Tarangire is stronger in September to November. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June and December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Tarangire: July to October. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (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.