Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Murchison Falls | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see crocodiles
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March and August to October
- you want night drives, walking safaris and camping
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, white rhino, zebras and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March and August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.