Bwindi (Uganda) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Uganda |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | 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 | Bwindi | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in March to December
- you want gorilla trekking and cultural visits
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want game drives, boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes and hippos
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in March to December.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.