Is Uganda or Kenya better for a safari?
One of the frequently asked questions is whether Uganda or Kenya is better for a safari. Planning an African safari can be challenging, especially for first-time safari planners. Just to clear the air both Uganda and Kenya are amazing safari destinations. Deciding to visit any of these countries is creating everlasting memories. Each of these countries has something to offer that the rest of the world cannot offer. Additionally, both Uganda and Kenya can be visited on one safari or trip. While Kenya is popular for wildebeest migration safari, Uganda stands out as the best primate safari destination in Africa. In this article, we are not necessarily comparing the two countries but we rather give you insights and ideas that will lead to the right destination. The bottom line is that with Native Africa Tours, both Uganda and Kenya safaris turn out to be amazing.
Compare Kenya and Uganda by size
While both Uganda and Kenya are located in East Africa, they vary in size. Kenya is bigger than Uganda in size. Kenya covers a land area of 582,646 km² while Uganda covers a land area of 241,038 km². Of course, you may not necessarily have to walk to every corner of these countries. But speaking of size, Kenya has bigger national parks compared to Uganda. For example, Masai Mara National Reserve covers a bigger land compared to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks. If you are an avid traveler seeking a safari that involves long-hour game drives, you may choose Kenya for your safari.
Compare Kenya and Uganda by safari destinations
Both Uganda and Kenya have amazing and diverse safari destinations. Although the two countries lie in the tropics and are crossed by the equator, Kenya has more savannah plains compared to Uganda. This is why most of the parks in Kenya are savannah in nature. On the other hand, Uganda has diverse vegetation zones. Some parts are covered by tropical rainforests while others are purely savannah plains. If you therefore love a mix of both savannah and forest parks, Uganda is a better destination compared to Kenya. On the other hand, if you are passionate about exploring more savannah lands, choose Kenya as your safari destination.
Other than the parks, Uganda and Kenya have mountains and other tourist destinations. In Uganda, one can enjoy hiking adventures in the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Elgon, Mount Gahinga, and many more. On the other hand, a safari to Kenya may involve hiking Mount Kenya. If you are an avid hiker, visiting Uganda for a hiking tour can be an ideal choice. More so, both Uganda and Kenya have lakes and rivers to explore on a safari. In Uganda, you will get a chance to visit the source of the world’s longest river – the Nile River. You may as well visit Lake Victoria and take part in multiple activities. Other lakes to visit in Uganda include; Lake Bunyonyi (near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), Lake Mutanda, Lake Edward, Lake George, and many more. In Kenya, you may visit Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Lake Magadi, Lake Turkana, and many more.
Compare Uganda and Kenya by wildlife diversity
It is difficult to compare Kenya and Uganda for a wildlife safari, but we shall try our best to paint the picture for you. Both Uganda and Kenya have amazing wildlife species including lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, and many more. However, each country has unique wildlife species that cannot be found in its counterpart. For instance, Uganda has primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. These species cannot be found in Kenya. On the other hand, wildebeests can be found in Kenya but not in Uganda.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Chimpanzees can be spotted in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Wildebeests can be spotted roaming the endless savannah plains of Masai Mara National Reserve.
Compare gorilla trekking in Uganda and wildebeest migration in Kenya
The big question is here, comparing wildebeest migration in Kenya and mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda. These two are different safari activities and comparing them may help you in making a decision.
To begin with, mountain gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda while wildebeest migration is done in Kenya. Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The activity involves walking on foot and exploring the thick forests of Africa. Sometimes the activity can be challenging since it involves walking through rugged and slippery terrain, especially during the wet seasons. Once tourists meet a gorilla family they are allowed to spend one hour in their presence.
On the other hand, the wildebeest migration experience in Masai Mara Reserve is done in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. The activity involves exploring the extensive savannah plains of the Mara Reserve. During this activity, you get a chance to spot millions of animals on the go which is considered the world’s largest animal movement. Nothing compares to witnessing the wildebeest migration at the Mara River. Here, you may spot crocodiles grabbing a zebra or wildebeest.
In terms of cost, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost USD 800 per person per trek. The fees are exclusive of other safari costs like accommodation and transportation. On the other hand, you only need to pay entry fees at the Mara Reserve to participate in the great wildebeest migration tour. Entrance fees at the Masai Mara Reserve are USD 200 Per person. Your budget can also be a basis for comparing Uganda safari and Kenya safaris. Read our combined wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking safari itinerary.
Getting around (Kenya Vs Uganda)
While both Uganda and Kenya are amazing safari destinations, there is a slight difference in infrastructure development. There is no doubt that Kenya has a more developed and maintained road network compared to Uganda. Some of Uganda’s roads are not yet developed especially in remote areas. If you are that person who loves an off-the-beaten-path safari experience, you may choose Uganda over Kenya. But if you love driving on well-developed roads during your safari, you may decide to visit Kenya.
Compare accommodation in Uganda and Kenya
Planning an African safari is never complete until you get a perfect place to stay. Kenya is better compared to Uganda in terms of tourism safari lodges and other accommodation facilities. For instance, there are more safari cottages and luxury lodges in the Mara Reserve than those in Murchison Falls National Park. This should not lure you into the temptation of thinking that Uganda has poor accommodation facilities. It is just because Kenya has a more advanced tourism industry compared to Uganda. Generally, both Uganda and Kenya have budget, luxury, and midrange lodges. We partner with some of the best lodges in both Uganda and Kenya. Just tell us about your safari accommodation needs in advance so that we make a perfect choice for you.
Can I combine Keya and Uganda in one trip or safari?
Yes, it is possible to visit Uganda and Kenya in a single trip. Whether you start with Uganda or Kenya, your combined tour will turn out to be the best. We arrange tours that take tourists to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Masai Mara Reserve. There are direct flights from Entebbe (Uganda) to Masai Mara Reserve. We also provide road transfers from Uganda to Kenya and reverse.
Conclusively, the question of whether Uganda or Kenya is better for a safari may be answered in multiple ways. The comparison may depend on your budget, interest, season, and many more. But with the help of our safari experts, your Uganda or Kenya safari can never go wrong. Talk to our safari experts and plan the best trip.
