Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Tsavo West (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Tsavo West | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 9,065 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | August 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 | Present |
| 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 | Tsavo West |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in April and December
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Tsavo West if
- you are travelling in March, May and August to October
- you want camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, zebras, gazelles and oryx
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Tsavo West?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in April and December. Tsavo West is stronger in March, May and August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Tsavo West: August to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Magical Kenya - Tsavo · Kenya Wildlife Service - Tsavo East (Tsavo Conservation Area) · Climates to Travel - Makindu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.