Murchison Falls (Uganda) and Queen Elizabeth (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Murchison Falls | Queen Elizabeth | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 3,840 km² | 1,978 km² |
| Best time | June to July and December to February | June to September 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 | Murchison Falls | Queen Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want hiking
- you hope to see giraffes
Choose Queen Elizabeth if
- you are travelling in March, May, August to September and November
- you want cultural visits
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Murchison FallsQueen Elizabeth
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Queen Elizabeth is stronger in March, May, August to September and November.
When is the best time for each?
Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February. Queen Elizabeth: June to September and December to February.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals) · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.