Amboseli (Kenya) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| 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 | Amboseli | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in March, May and July to October
- you want cultural visits and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and eland
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in April
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see leopards, crocodiles and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in March, May and July to October. Murchison Falls is stronger in April.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.