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Different safari destinations can offer wildly varying safari experiences. Take Uganda and Kenya, for example. Both are home to hundreds of mammal species and countless birds, but when choosing between them, there’s one major difference: primates. Uganda protects nearly half of Africa’s mountain gorilla population, while chimpanzees live in several areas around the country.
In contrast, Kenya boasts the equally famous Maasai Mara, known for its rich wildlife and breathtaking savannah landscapes. Here, you can see the Big Five in all their glory – including the rhinoceros, which is absent from all of Uganda’s protected areas save for one lone sanctuary.
In terms of culture and experiences, Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is a shining example of the “African Renaissance” taking place across much of East Africa. Further south in Entebbe, travellers can chill out along the shores of Lake Victoria and explore Entebbe Botanical Garden. Kenya, meanwhile, offers a chance to experience both incredible wildlife and vibrant cultural interactions with local Maasai communities.
We’ve built thousands of bespoke itineraries for travellers over the years, and this is where it all starts. Ideally, we recommend spending some time in both countries to make the most of your time in East Africa. However, if you really have to choose just one, you’ll need to be equipped with everything you need to know about safaris in Uganda and Kenya, how they differ, and the types of experiences you can expect on either side of the border. Let’s dive straight into it and help you choose your next African safari destination.
Quick Comparison: Uganda vs Kenya
Quick Comparison: Uganda vs Kenya
Uganda Kenya
Top Safari Destinations Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo (East and West) National Parks, Nairobi National Park Peak Seasons January-February; June-July June-October Activity Highlights Vehicle Safaris, Walking Safaris, Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls, Big Five Safaris, Walking Safaris, Cheetah Tracking, Mount Kenya, Snorkelling
Climate
Uganda Kenya
Rainy Season March-May; September-November March-May; November-December Dry Season June-October; December-February June-October; January-March Best Time for Game Viewing Dry Season Dry Season
As with many safari destinations in Africa, the dry season is typically the best time to spot wildlife in both Uganda and Kenya. The two countries experience very similar rainy seasons, but climate can vary significantly within each destination especially at different altitudes.
In Uganda, December, January, and February are the hottest months, but even then, evenings are remarkably mild and pleasant. Kenya, although sharing a similar latitude, has dry and hot regions, especially along the borders with Ethiopia and Somalia. In contrast, high mountains like Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon can be bitterly cold.
Many of the country’s major cities are over 1,000 m above sea level, meaning they experience dramatic temperature swings each day. Meanwhile, the climate along the coastline is tropical, bringing rain and heat for much of the year.
Wildlife
Uganda Kenya
Notable wildlife The Big Five, cheetah, zebra, spotted hyena, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe, African wolf, tree pangolin, giant pangolin, mountain gorilla, common chimpanzee The Big Five, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyena, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe, whale shark, striped hyena, dugong, African wolf, tree pangolin, giant pangolin Notable Birds Grey-crowned crane, Fox’s weaver, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, kori bustard, great blue turaco, African finfoot, marabou stork, Abdim’s stork, great white pelican, shoebill, hamerkop, goliath heron, secretarybird, martial eagle, lappet-faced vulture Shoebill, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, lilac-breasted roller, pink-backed pelican, hamerkop, secretarybird, Taita falcon, southern ground hornbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, bearded vulture, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, kori bustard
Uganda and Kenya each provide extraordinary wildlife experiences, with ecosystems and animal populations offering visitors contrasting adventures.
In Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse habitats, ranging from savannahs to wetlands, and is home to iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, and buffalo. The park’s standout feature is the Kazinga Channel, where visitors can enjoy boat safaris and witness hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species in their natural habitat. Another highlight is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in the world to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their dense forest habitat. This rare primate experience offers a deeply personal and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, the northern extension of the Serengeti, provides a more exclusive and immersive wildlife experience. It is a vital part of the Great Migration and is famed for its abundant predator populations, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Meanwhile, Amboseli National Park, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, is celebrated for its large elephant herds roaming against the dramatic backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain.
Uganda’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and community-focused conservation efforts enhances its appeal as a destination where visitors can connect deeply with nature while supporting local livelihoods. Beyond its wildlife, Uganda offers unique opportunities for adventure, such as rafting on the Nile River or exploring the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” With its lush landscapes and range of experiences, Uganda provides an extraordinary complement to Kenya’s renowned savannahs and sweeping vistas.
Best Safari Destinations
Uganda Kenya
Bush Safaris Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo (East and West) National Parks, Nairobi National Park Marine Safaris Watamu and Malindi
If You Want to See the Big Five
Kenya is definitely the better safari destination if you want to see the Big Five. While Uganda has reintroduced the white rhinoceros to a few areas in recent years, you’ll be hard-pressed to see all of the Big Five in the same region. Kenya, meanwhile, is one of the most famous destinations in the world for Big Five game viewing.
If You Want to See the Great Migration
The annual Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in Kenya and Tanzania, bypassing Uganda completely. To witness this spectacle up close, you’ll want to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There are also multiple private concessions along the migration routes – more so than in neighbouring Tanzania.
If You Want to See Big Cats
Both countries boast healthy populations of predators. In Kenya, Tsavo National Park was once home to the infamous “Tsavo Man-Eaters”, a pair of males that are said to have killed and eaten dozens of construction workers in 1898. Today, the remaining Tsavo lions are famous for another reason: many of the males lack manes entirely!
Meanwhile, Uganda has its own show-stopping lions. In Rukingiri District, lions have a peculiar habit of climbing trees. Plus, the males are known for their dark manes.
If You Want to See Birds
Uganda has roughly 1,020 recorded bird species, while Kenya has 1,058. Kenya has a standout birding destination in Lake Nakuru National Park. Here, millions of lesser and greater flamingos feed on algae and plankton, joined by iconic species like pink-backed pelicans, goliath herons, African fish eagles, hamerkops, and grey-crowned cranes.
Uganda is also one of Africa’s premier birding destinations. If you want to see shoebills in the wild, look no further than Murchison Falls National Park.
If You Want to See Primates
Uganda’s biggest drawcard is its primates. As mentioned, it’s home to around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as several populations of common chimpanzees, some of which live on isolated islands.
Most of the gorillas can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If it’s chimpanzees you’re after, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and combine chimpanzee trekking with a full-blown bush safari.
Activities
Going on safari is all about wildlife, but you can combine your game viewing with plenty of other exciting experiences. In some cases, you can even enjoy a safari from above.
Activities
Uganda Kenya Both Regions
Safari Activities Chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking Camel safaris, hot air balloon safaris, Great Migration safaris Big Five safaris, photographic safaris, walking safaris, birding, mobile camping Fun Activities Climbing Mount Elgon Climbing Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, beach holidays, snorkelling Bush walks, hiking, fishing, stargazing Cultural Activities Malindi tours, Maasai village visits Cultural tours, village visits, food tours, positive impact safaris
What are the Pros and Cons of Uganda and Kenya?
Pros Cons
Uganda The Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are home to the last mountain gorillas. Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any reserve in the world. This park is home to almost 100 animal species and more than 600 types of birds. See the Nile bursting through a narrow gorge at Murchison Falls National Park The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Some areas can only be accessed by boat. Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Kenya Some of the best game viewing in the world in places like Maasai Mara National Reserve. Direct access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. Huge flight network operating out of Nairobi. Quieter game reserves with more exclusive access. More private conservancies than Tanzania. Great for families with children. The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for the Great Migration.
Safety
- East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-established safari destinations like Uganda and Kenya. However, it is always advisable to follow local guidelines and travel advisories.
- Safari lodges and parks have stringent safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests, including guided game drives and secure accommodations.
- Kenya’s northern coastal areas face risks from terrorist activity in Somalia.
- Petty theft and violent crime can occur in both countries. Please stay alert at all times.
- Malaria is widespread in both countries, especially in lower elevation wilderness areas. Please take relevant precautions.
Cuisine
Uganda Kenya
Like other East African countries, Uganda has a culinary heritage tinged by a variety of cultures. Local staples include matooke (green banana), kalo (a type of ugali or “mash” made from millet), as well as cassava, yam, and groundnuts. Sesame or sim-sim is especially popular in the north, where it’s used as a paste and added to stews. Make sure to try a Rolex, too. It’s a chapati filled with eggs and plenty of veggies! Kenya’s culinary heritage is as diverse as its many communities, which include both indigenous and immigrant peoples. Ugali is a staple here, too, as is nyama choma (grilled meat). Seafood is popular in coastal areas and in communities that border lakes. Sukuma wiki is a simple dish of greens is another staple shared with Tanzania and other countries around the Great Lakes.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Both Uganda and Kenya offer unforgettable safari experiences, but the best choice depends on what you’re seeking. If you’re drawn to lush landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, Uganda is an excellent option. You can trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see endangered mountain gorillas, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or explore the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Uganda also offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting on the Nile River, adding an adventurous twist to your safari experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more traditional safari with a focus on iconic savannah landscapes and cultural interactions, Kenya might be the better fit. The Masai Mara offers world-class wildlife viewing, particularly during the migration season, while Kenya’s emphasis on community-based tourism allows visitors to engage with local cultures, such as the Maasai people. With its well-developed safari infrastructure, Kenya is perfect for those seeking a seamless and accessible adventure.
