Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| 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 | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in December
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see hippos and chimpanzees
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in March, May and July to October
- you want walking safaris, cultural visits and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, zebras, oryx, gazelles and ostriches
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in December. Samburu is stronger in March, May and July to October.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.