Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in April and December to February
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see hippos, crocodiles and chimpanzees
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in March, May and July to November
- you want walking safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon flights and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, oryx and kudu
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in April and December to February. Tarangire is stronger in March, May and July to November.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.