Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls

The best time to visit Murchison Falls is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September, when game drives are easiest and the boat trips are most comfortable. Because the Nile is fed by Lake Victoria, the falls themselves flow powerfully in every month.

Dry seasons: December to February and June to September

Grass is shorter, animals are easier to find on the Buligi plains north of the river, and park tracks are in good condition. December to February is the hottest period; June to September is a little cooler and greener, with occasional showers. These are the most popular months, so book lodges early.

Wet seasons: March to May and October to November

Rain usually falls in heavy afternoon storms rather than all day. The park turns green, there are fewer visitors and the light is superb for photography. Some tracks can become muddy, and game is a little more dispersed, but the launch trip and the falls are unaffected.

Birding and the shoebill

Murchison Falls is one of Uganda's best birding parks year-round. From about November to April, migrant species from Europe and northern Africa add to the resident list. Shoebills are seen in the delta in all months; the morning delta cruise gives the best chance. See The Shoebill at the Edge of the Delta.

Weather and what to wear

Murchison lies at low altitude in north-western Uganda and is warm to hot all year. Wear light, neutral clothing with long sleeves for tsetse flies and evening mosquitoes, a hat for the boat, and walking shoes for the hike to the top of the falls. A rain jacket is useful in the wet seasons.

Combining with the rest of Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale run year-round, with the dry seasons again the most comfortable. Most Uganda itineraries visit Murchison first, as in our ten-day Uganda waterfalls and gorillas route. See the seasonal calendar for other falls.