Kenya and Uganda might be neighbouring countries but the safari experiences, climate and geography differ greatly. Kenya is a better destination than Uganda when it comes to quality Big Five sightings and plains wildlife in general. Its game reserves tend to be far larger than their counterparts in Uganda, and to offer a more varied selection of lodges and tented camps.
Equally, Uganda offers several attractions not found in Kenya or indeed most other safari destinations. Foremost among these is the opportunity to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzees in the likes of Kibale National Park.
Take a look:
Kenya
Uganda
Wildlife
All of the Big Five
Epic Great Migration in the Masai Mara
Game-viewing all year round
Big Five (rhinos have been recently reintroduced to the country but concentrated in sanctuaries)
Primate haven, Mountain and Silverback gorillas are the highlights of a safari
Photography
The Great Migration is at the epicentre of Kenya’s photography and filmmaking activities
Gorillas are the stars of the photographic scene
Type of traveller
Wildlife seekers
Couples and honeymooners
Families
Solo travellers
Group tours
Active travellers who want to summit Mount Kenya
Active travellers (hiking and gorilla trekking)
Couples
Groups
Avid birders
Accommodation
Variety of luxury accommodation, mostly in private conservancies
Mobile camping and ‘glamping’
Pricier than Tanzania or Uganda
Luxury accommodation available for the best experience
Language
English and Swahili are the official languages
Most famous for the Massai peoples
Luganda, Swahili and English are the most widely spoken languages
Experiences
Bush and beach safaris
Big Five and Great Migration experiences
Photographic excursions
Mountain trekking
Family safaris
Honeymoons
Walking, horseback and camelback safaris are very popular
Mountain gorilla trekking
Birding safaris are very popular
Exploring the abundantly beautiful lakes
Wildlife experiences
Honeymooners
Walking safaris
Best time to travel
June to October for game viewing
January, February and June to December for gorilla trekking
Transport
Fly-in safaris are most popular due to the remoteness of the most-visited areas
Self-drive is possible along the coast
Private fly-in safaris are very expensive so self-drive or local transport are more affordable options
Road infrastructure is poor
Malaria risk
Moderate to high risk in most areas although Nairobi and surrounds are low risk
