Lake Nakuru (Kenya) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Nakuru | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 188 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | June to October and December to March | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 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 | Low risk: check with a doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Nakuru | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March and August to November
- you want camping
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, zebras, flamingos and gazelles
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see elephants, crocodiles and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Nakuru or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.