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Even though Uganda and Tanzania are neighbours, these two African Rift Valley nations offer very different safari experiences. In Uganda, you can come face-to-face with the largest primate in the world, the gorilla, while in Tanzania, you’ll find the legendary Serengeti and its healthy population of predators, as well as the awe-inspiring annual Great Wildebeest Migration.
Furthermore, you’ll need to travel around Uganda to see the Big Five. In contrast, several protected areas in Tanzania are home to all of these iconic animals. Beyond gorillas, though, Uganda offers so much for such a small, landlocked country. Here, you can explore the capital, Kampala, and see why it’s an incredible 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.
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 Tanzania, 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 Tanzania
| Uganda | Tanzania | |
| 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 | Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Arusha National Park. Gombe Stream National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Peak Seasons | January-February; June-July | June-March |
| Activity Highlights | Vehicle Safaris, Walking Safaris, Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls, Birding Safaris | Big Five Safaris, Walking Safaris, Cheetah Tracking, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Island, Snorkelling |
| Iconic Wildlife | The Big Five, Mountain Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Grey-crowned Crane, Nile Crocodile, Giant Pangolin, Giant Eland | The Big Five, Blue Wildebeest, Chimpanzee, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Whale Shark, Grey-crowned Crane, Nile Crocodile |
Climate
| Uganda | Tanzania | |
| Rainy Season | March-May; September-November | March-May; October-December (North & East) October-April (South, Central & West) |
| Dry Season | June-October; December-February | June-October; January-February (North & East) May-September (South, Central & West) |
| Best Time for Game Viewing | Dry season |
As with many safari destinations in Africa, the dry season is typically the best time to spot wildlife in both Uganda and Tanzania. In Uganda, December, January, and February are the hottest months, but even then, evenings are remarkably mild and pleasant.
Believe it or not, Tanzania’s highlands can get as cold as 10 °C, while the rest of the country rarely dips below 20 °C. At the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the temperature can drop to -27 °C on rare occasions. The highest average temperatures occur along the east coast in places like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam. A wide strip of area stretching from central Tanzania to the north is considered arid and hot.
Wildlife
| Uganda | Tanzania | |
| 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, African wolf, tree pangolin, giant pangolin, green turtle |
| 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 | Grey-crowned crane, shoebill, Pemba scops-owl, banded sunbird, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, pink-backed pelican, hamerkop, secretarybird, martial eagle, African fish eagle, imperial eagle, southern ground hornbill, bearded vulture, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, kori bustard |
Uganda and Tanzania each provide extraordinary wildlife experiences, with ecosystems and animal populations offering visitors contrasting adventures. However, you’ve probably heard a lot more about Tanzania. After all, it might just be the most famous safari destination on the planet.
However, Uganda stands tall as a spectacular safari destination in its own right. 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.
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.
In Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its vast plains and the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals traverse the landscape. The park is also home to large populations of the Big Five, with over 3,000 lions and thriving numbers of elephants and leopards. The Ngorongoro Crater, another Tanzanian gem, provides a stunning setting for viewing a dense concentration of wildlife within a relatively small area.
Best Safari Destinations
| Uganda | Tanzania | |
| 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 | Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Arusha National Park. Gombe Stream National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Marine Safaris | Mafia Island Marine Park, Saadani National Park |
If You Want to See the Big Five
Tanzania offers some of the best opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitat, with its vast game reserves and iconic national parks. The Serengeti National Park, renowned for the Great Migration, is home to abundant populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden,” is another exceptional spot where visitors can witness all five species in a relatively small area due to the crater’s concentrated wildlife populations. Tarangire National Park is also a great place to see elephants, often in large herds, while Ruinsori National Park and other smaller reserves provide opportunities to see elusive rhinos.
If You Want to See the Great Migration
The annual Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in Tanzania in Kenya. In Tanzania, the best place to witness it is Serengeti National Park.
If You Want to See Big Cats
Tanzania has the single largest wild population of lions in the world, numbering over 14,000. There are over 3,000 in Serengeti National Park alone, along with plenty of cheetahs and leopards.
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 is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, with roughly 1,020 recorded bird species. 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.
If You Want to See Marine Life
Zanzibar, including Pemba Island, is perhaps the most famous coastal destination in East Africa, boasting spectacular coral reefs and incredible marine biodiversity.
Also in Tanzania, Saadani National Park serves as a breeding ground for green turtles. Marine mammals like humpback whales and various dolphins also pass along the coast. Meanwhile, at Mafia Island, you can snorkel with whale sharks.
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 | Tanzania | Both Regions | |
| Safari Activities | Chimpanzee Trekking, gorilla trekking | Hot air balloon safaris | Big Five safaris, photographic safaris, walking safaris, birding, mobile camping |
| Fun Activities | Climbing Mount Elgon | Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, visiting Zanzibar, visiting Pemba Island | Bush walks, hiking, fishing, stargazing |
| Cultural Activities | Zanzibar 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. |
| Tanzania | Incredibly diverse landscapes spanning icy mountain peaks and lush tropical forests. Some of the best game viewing in the world in places like Serengeti National Park. Direct access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. | The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Some areas can only be accessed by boat (Gombe Stream National Park). Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for the Great Migration. Typically more expensive than Kenya. Wilderness areas are more spread out, meaning more travelling. |
Safety
- East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-established safari destinations like Uganda and Tanzania. 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.
- 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 | Tanzania |
| 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! | Coastal regions like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam are famous for spicy foods that are heavily influenced by Arab, Portuguese, and Indian cuisines. Pilau, a rice dish, is especially popular in Zanzibar. You should also definitely try the local samosas. Ugali (maize porridge) is the staple food in many areas. It’s usually served alongside grilled meat, fish (especially tilapia), and okra. Maandazi is a fried doughnut that’s popular as a breakfast snack. |
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Both Uganda and Tanzania 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.
If you think you’d prefer a wide range of landscapes, iconic wildlife, and the chance to visit renowned game reserves, Tanzania is an excellent option. You’ll get to explore the Serengeti National Park, known for the Great Migration, or combine your safari with a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro or the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.
At the end of the day, both Uganda and Tanzania rank among Africa’s top safari destinations, offering unforgettable experiences. When you’re ready to create your perfect safari itinerary, get in touch with one of our Safari Experts and we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
