Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in December
- you want boat safaris and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see crocodiles and chimpanzees
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in March, May and August to November
- you want walking safaris, cultural visits and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, zebras, wildebeest and flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in December. Ngorongoro is stronger in March, May and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.