Which Is Better: Kenya vs Uganda Safaris

Quick Overview

Uganda Vs Kenya Safari – Which Is Best?

Both Kenya and Uganda safari experiences are not only exceptional, but entirely unique. Their ecosystems, climate, and landscapes differ greatly; the one thing they do share are unforgettable wildlife sightings. As they are so different, perhaps it's not down to which is better, but which is better for you.

To break it down, a Kenya safari will see you traversing open savannahs, vast rolling hills, and watching the epic hordes of wildebeest undertake their natural gauntlet, The Great Migration. During certain months of the year, witness epic river crossings as the migrating herds tackle the Mara River and prowling predators. Explore Kenya's iconic Masai Mara, the lauded Amboseli National Park, and enjoy immersive cultural experiences. For those who wish to enjoy a bush and beach holiday, Kenya's beautiful coastline beckons.

In contrast, a Uganda safari sees adventurers traverse both lush rainforests brimming with flora and fauna and more open savannah-esque landscapes featuring their famous tree-climbing lions. As 20% of Uganda has been dedicated to wildlife reserves, there is plenty to explore. Most will attest to the fact that embarking on a gorilla trekking experience is one that stirs the soul forever, not to mention the delight of spotting other primates along the way. Leave the verdant forests to discover Uganda's other sensational offering such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, known to be one of the most biologically diverse parks in the world, not to mention the country's premier wildlife destination.

While each destination has unique calling cards, we know it's an almost impossible choice. To help make this decision easier, we break down the comparison between Kenya vs Uganda even further:

Kenya and Uganda are two of my favourite East Africa destinations for so many reasons. They each offer something very unique and special – and whilst they each can be done as a stand-alone adventure, they do pair beautifully together to offer an exciting primate, cultural, and safari combination adventure. – Ashley Gerrand

Cost Difference Between Kenya And Uganda Safari Experiences:

It's important to note that safaris are not one size fits all, especially when working with an expert capable of tailor-making a great adventure that works with your budget and bucket list. There are a variety of influences on a final figure which include, but are not limited to:

• The length of your total safari
• Additional activities
• Private vs public reserves and concessions
• The time of year – high vs low season
• Choosing fly-in or road transfer options
• Accommodation and facilities (from mid-range to ultra-lux)

As Kenya is one of East Africa's most popular safari destinations, it has a wide array of accommodation options from camps and lodges to mobile setups following the migration. Not only does this mean more options for a range of budgets, but variety to suit different tastes and ideals. Its reputation and popularity also mean infrastructure is well developed and venturing from one park to another is relatively easy.

Choosing a national park may be more cost effective, but you run the risk of greater crowds, especially during the dry, peak season. Private reserves or concessions typically mean personalised service, private game vehicles, and the opportunity to experience a greater selection of activities – for example, walking safaris and spot-lit night drives. In terms of gorilla trekking, this would be comparable to having a private guide.

Landscapes & Scenery

Kenya is often characterised by its sprawling savannahs and the odd hot-air balloon seen floating in the distance while wildlife roam below. Its iconic grasslands are synonymous to those made famous by the likes of the Lion King and all-time classic, Out of Africa. The seemingly endless plains of the Mara offer superlative 360 degree views with little interruption, ideal for spotting a wide array of wildlife. Further north, the land undulates forming a more hilly landscape that sees less rain than its southern counterpart.

To the south, Kenya shares its border with Tanzania, and the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro – Amboseli National Park is actually one of the best places to view the mountain. As it receives more rainfall, the region enjoys a diverse selection of species and offers varied terrain from wetlands and woodlands to classic savannahs. Further south and slightly east lie Kenya's beaches – a great combination for those interested in a bush and beach combination.

Uganda on the other hand leans more firmly towards tropical climes and lush vegetation. It has vast and varied landscapes from the verdant Great Rift Valley and the striking vistas of the Virunga Mountains to the Kazinga Channel and Uganda's magic rainforests. Looking west, the towering Rwenzori Mountains are known to experience bouts of snow and ice in the winter months – a stark contrast to the balmy summers. Treks here feel akin to walking on the moon with their remote location, fascinating construction, and sense of being entirely alone.

Like Kenya, Uganda experiences a level of stereotyping where it's often believed it only offers jungle-esque landscapes and primates. While gorilla trekking is undoubtedly a highlight of the country, it's also home to national parks that could stand toe-to-toe with some of Africa's finest. These parks – think Queen Elizabeth, Kibale Forest, and Murchison Falls – offer sensational game viewing and a wide variety of flora and fauna; for example, Kibale National Park houses over 345 tree species, more than 27% of the country's total population

Things To Do On A Kenya Vs Uganda Holiday

Whether you choose a Kenya or Uganda safari, rest assured that format remains the same, or at least very similar. A typical day on safari comprises an early wakeup call and game drive followed by leisure time and lunch before an afternoon game drive – all of which is on an opt-in basis so lie-ins are always allowed. Adding to the experience, depending on location and accommodation, nature walks accompanied by expert guides make for fascinating excursions, as well as spot-lit night drives – these are limited to certain concessions and conservancies.

A safari holiday in Kenya is undoubtedly amplified by a hot-air balloon excursion; float into the air shortly after dawn and watch the world come to life, typically followed by a delicious bush breakfast. Venture to the Mara during the Great Migration and opt to enjoy a mobile camping experience following the herds from various bases. Other places to visit in Kenya include Giraffe Manor, where gentle giant and humans live in harmony and it's not uncommon for their heads to pop into the breakfast room.

Uganda's primary calling card is undoubtedly its gorilla trekking and primate safaris. The incredible Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks currently house and protect over half of the world's mountain gorillas – while sightings can never be guaranteed, these parks certainly offer the best opportunity. Enriching cultural experiences with the local Batwa tribes are also a highlight of any visit to Uganda as they share traditions, culture, craft, and so much more.

Looking away from primates for a moment, Uganda also offers classic safaris where all but one of Africa's iconic Big 5 are present as well as other safari heavyweights and superb birdlife. In addition to game drives and guided nature walks, embark on river cruises to enjoy an alternative perspective and get a closer look at wildlife along the shoreline. With rivers, waterfalls, forests, and lakes, Uganda is a nature lovers paradise.

Who Is Best Suited To A Safari In Uganda Vs Kenya?

A safari in Kenya is ideal for first-time and return travellers, its diversity and volume of game ensure there's always something interesting to see. It's also well known that no two visits to witness the Great Migration are the same – river crossings are never an exact science and both timings and sightings change every year. With a large selection of reserves and conservancies, there are fantastic options for more intimate safari experiences. The country's popularity as a safari destination also means more variety when it comes to accommodation, making it easier for families and multi-generational travellers to find their perfect match.

An expedition to Uganda is well suited to adventurous travellers who wish to explore untouched wildernesses and venture out on foot in search of sightings. While game drives and classic safari experiences are undoubtedly a Ugandan staple, gorillas are the stars of the show. With that in mind, it's also worth noting that gorilla and primate trekking has a minimum age limit – usually 15, though this is discretionary – so it's not suited to families with younger children unless your accommodation offers childcare. As Uganda is seen as a less popular safari destination when compared to Kenya, it also means it enjoys fewer crowds in national parks.

Kenya Vs Uganda Safaris: Infrastructure & Accessibility

Given Kenya's long-standing prowess as one of Africa's top safari destinations, its infrastructure and accessibility is well established. It's also good to note that Kenya's international airport, Jomo Kenyatta, is a short drive from the capital of Nairobi. Other, smaller, airports are then best for regional and chartered flights. Many of the road transfers are done via scheduled mini buses – Go2Africa arranges its own transportation for guests, but this is still the typical mode of transport. Most roads between safari destinations are well-maintained for the sake of self-drives and safari vehicles traversing the area.

Uganda is less established and has a more ‘rough and ready' feel to it. While it's not a big country, they have yet to establish good maintenance regimes for roads meaning travel between destinations can be slow going. This is typically exacerbated during the rainy season as weather and road conditions can vary greatly. Fortunately, the 4×4 game vehicles found in national parks are designed to tackle tricky terrains and glide along quite happily. During rainforest excursions, expert guides and trackers will easily be able to plot a safe path, the only thing you need to do is bring a good pair of hiking boots. Despite having their own international airport, Entebbe, most visitors arrive via Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

Wildlife Guide: What Can You Expect To See?

While sightings can never be promised or guaranteed, Kenya is home to the Big 5, some of which are notoriously elusive – put simply, the chance of seeing elephants and buffalos is higher than leopards and rhinos (particularly given their endangered status), but never say never. The search for them during game drives makes success even sweeter. Depending on the time of year, wildebeest will be a dime a dozen as they move in mega herds across the plains, completing their annual migration. Mixed in with those herds are plenty of zebra and other buck. For those who really wish to see rhino, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of the leaders for rhino conservation in East Africa.

Moving away from the big hitters, birdlife is abundant and beautiful in Kenya, particularly around Lake Nakuru with over 400 species on record. Keep an eye out for firm favourites such as giraffe, cheetah, gazelle, impala, and spotted hyenas. If seeing lots of wildlife is your goal, consider visiting Amboseli National Park, where compact size and diversity work hand-in-hand to deliver a fantastic volume of sightings. Most importantly, should you have a specific ‘wishlist', be sure to communicate that with your Africa Safari Expert and guide.

Uganda's crowning jewel lies with its gorilla trekking, a chance to encounter one of the world's rarest animals. Observing them in their natural habitat as they go about their lives is a truly soul-stirring moment that would be challenging to ever forget. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known as one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa and contains half of the remaining mountain gorilla population, making it the prime place for treks. It also houses an impressive 11 other recorded primate species, other mammals, and incredible aviary species – around 23 species being endemic to the area.

Moving onto the classic safari side, Uganda's parks are in no way a let-down in comparison, with Queen Elizabeth National Park offering over 610 species of birds, a huge array of mammals, and even chimp tracking through its forests. The park is also home to an unusual sighting, tree-climbing lions, a feat typically reserved for its big cat counterpart, leopards. This odd phenomenon can be seen in a handful of places with this being one of the top spots to witness it. River access in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls also mean great sightings of water-dwellers such as hippos and crocodiles while enjoying both bird- and wildlife.

Uganda Vs Kenya Accommodation Options

As mentioned earlier, Kenya's reputation and ongoing popularity have given it ample room to grow, particularly in terms of accommodation options. But that doesn't mean Uganda is without, its offerings are typically smaller, more intimate, and perhaps not as luxurious. However, what they may lack in opulence is made up in service excellence with a smile, ample comfort, and great food.

Kenya on the other hand is brimming with options from mobile and standing camps to lodges ranging from comfort to ultra-luxury. Many of its offerings also enjoy incredible views of their surroundings and local wildlife. With such variety, budgets and tastes are fairly easily accommodated – whether you're after a romantic honeymoon abode, an exclusive-use family villa, or a traditional colonial-style camp that takes you back in time.

Our Accommodation Recommendations For Uganda

Our Accommodation Recommendations For Kenya

The Best Time For A Safari In Kenya Vs Uganda

Uganda sees two dry and two wet seasons each year. Fortunately, gorilla trekking is seen as a year-round activity, so it really comes down to preference. Most choose to visit in the dry months – June to September and December to February – when conditions are deemed more favourable. Others choose to visit during ‘low season' – March to May and October to November – due to even fewer crowds and greater affordability.

Prime time to visit Kenya is between June and October during the dry season when temperatures have not yet reached their peak. Another great time to visit is from January to the end of March when it's mostly dry and mild. That being said, some choose to visit during the rainy season – March to June and November to December – as peak-season crowds have moved on and off-season rates have come into effect. Kenya is generally considered a great year-round destination due to its fairly moderate climate.

Our Top Kenya And Uganda Tour Recommendations:

Now that you've got a feel for both countries, have a look at a few of our favourite tours to get a taste of what an itinerary could look like in each destination.

Top Uganda Tours

Top Kenya Tours

A Combination Destination: The Ultimate Kenya and Uganda Safari Sojourn

Now that there is a clear comparison laid out for a safari in Kenya vs Uganda, it's normal to be even more confused when it comes to choosing just one. Fortunately, they work really well as combination destinations.

As most visitors choose to enter Uganda via Nairobi, it's easy enough to curate an itinerary that enjoys the best Kenya has to offer before venturing further to experience the magic of gorilla trekking – or vice versa. Instead of weighing them up and trying to choose, combine them for your greatest adventure yet.

Ready To Plan An Unforgettable Uganda and Kenya Safari?

With several Africa Safari Experts well versed in both destinations, planning a tailor-made itinerary for your next great adventure is easy. Chat to one of them for first-hand advice and experience.