Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| Big Five | Not all five | 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 | Murchison Falls | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in May and August to November
- you want walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, zebras, African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in May and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.