Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Nyerere (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Nyerere | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 30,893 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| 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 | Murchison Falls | Nyerere |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you are travelling in December to May
- you want hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see chimpanzees
Choose Nyerere if
- you are travelling in August to November
- you want walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see zebras, wildebeest, African wild dogs, kudu and sable antelope
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Nyerere?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Murchison Falls is stronger in December to May. Nyerere is stronger in August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Nyerere: August to October.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · TANAPA - Nyerere National Park · SafariBookings - Nyerere climate · Weather2Travel - Selous climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.