Tsavo East (Kenya) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Tsavo East | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 13,747 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | August to September | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Moi International Airport, Mombasa (MBA) | 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 | Tsavo East | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Tsavo East if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and November to December
- you want gorilla trekking, hiking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tsavo East or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Tsavo East is stronger in August to October. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June to July and November to December.
When is the best time for each?
Tsavo East: August to September. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East National Park · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Voi normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.