Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Murchison Falls | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want game drives, boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and hippos
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in March to December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Volcanoes is stronger in March to December.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.