Masai Mara (Kenya) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Masai Mara | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | Reserve | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,510 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | June to October | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 3–4 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | 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 | Masai Mara | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ 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 Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in July to November
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives, horseback safaris and cultural visits
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, zebras, wildebeest and gazelles
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Masai Mara or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Masai Mara is stronger in July to November.
When is the best time for each?
Masai Mara: June to October. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.