Akagera (Rwanda) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | July to August | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| Big Five | Present | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Akagera | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in May and July to October
- you want night drives and camping
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, zebras and eland
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in April
- you want hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in May and July to October. Murchison Falls is stronger in April.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.