Best time to Visit Murchison falls national park

Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park

Best time to Visit Murchison falls national park : Murchison Falls National Park spanning over 3,840 square kilometers is the largest wildlife savannah park in Uganda located in Northwestern Uganda about 311 kilometers (5 hours drive) from Kampala. Murchison Falls National Park is part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area including Bugugu Wildlife Reserve of 782 square kilometers and Karuma Wildlife Reserve of 720 square kilometers.

The park forms the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley where the massive Bunyoro Escarpment meets the vast palm – dotted savannah of the extensive Acholi plains.

History of Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest protected area in Uganda first gazette as Bunyoro – Gulu Game Reserve, the reserve was used a hunting playground for the wealthy people during the first 20^th century. In 1909, the area was visited by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his most lavish hunting safari of all time.

Following the regulating of hunting in the mid- century, the then Bunyoro – Gulu Game Reserve was upgraded and became Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is a very beautiful Uganda safari destination to visit with more than enough attractions to enjoy, however the safari experience you will have depended on the period of the year of your visit.

Brief information about the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park

Best time – December to February as animals are easy to spot
High Season – June to September with more people visiting Murchison Falls National Park as well as Uganda
Low Season – March, April, May, October and November, because of high rain fall many accommodations close in the park
Best weather – June and July – with less rain and lower temperatures
Worst Weather – April, May and August to October with higher rainfall, though it seldom enough to interfere with your safari

Climate and Weather in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park has tropical and hot climate, the park is situated close to the equator which greatly influences its weather and climate which are uniform all through the year. Weather and climate is also influenced by the altitude of park which is at the range of 615m – 1187 m above the sea level, because the park lies on higher attitudes, the temperatures are slightly lower.

In Murchison Falls National Park, daytime temperatures of around 31°C/88°F and they cool down at night at around 18°C/64°F.

Murchison Falls National Park receives two seasons of dry season and wet season.

Dry season in Murchison Falls National Park (December to February and June to September)

The dry season in this beautiful park falls between December to February and June to September, plenty of sunshine is received in these months and rarely any rain.

Murchison Falls National Park receives equatorial climate which is why the park is hot all year round, temperatures ranges between 25℃ – 32℃ during day and drops down to 18℃ at night. Temperatures in January and February are uncomfortable so remember to carry light clothing, plenty of sunscreen cream and water.

The dry season is the best time to spot wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park which is December to February, the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park is October – January. In these months the grass vegetation is short and fruits are starting to ripen thus short time to find chimpanzee on chimpanzee trek.

Pros of visiting Murchison Falls National Park in Dry Season

Animals are easily found as they gather at water sources
There is plenty of sun and almost no rain
Mosquitoes are fewer so there is less risk of malaria

Cons of visiting Murchison Falls National Park in Dry Season

The heat in January and February can be unbearable
The park gets over crowded with lots of travelers visiting the park
Higher prices of accommodation

Wet season in Murchison Falls National Park

Wet season is Murchison Falls National Park is between July and November and from March to May, the daily downpour turn the landscape into lush green and the park is at its most beautiful.

Murchison Falls National Park lies in the semi- arid Uganda so it is rare for the rain to interrupt your safari, however the roads leading to the park could be hard to travel on during this period.

Higher rainfall are more received in April, May and August through to October

The wet season is the best time for birding excursions in Murchison Falls National Park as migratory bird species arrive in the park to join resident species, the park is home to over 451 species of birds.

Pros of visiting Murchison Falls National Park in Wet Season

The landscape is lush with green vegetation and flowering plants
Since it is a low season, there are fewer travelers in the park thus providing you with a feeling of solitude
Rates for accommodations are lower
Since Murchison Falls lies in a dry part of the country, the rains rarely interfere with your safari
Best time to do birding as migratory birds join the resident species.

Cons of visiting Murchison Falls National Park in Dry Season

Some roads may become hard to travel after heavy downpours
Some lodges close due to bad weather

High and low season in Murchison Falls National Park

High season

The high season in Murchison Falls National Park between June to September as there is little to no rain to lower temperatures. This tends to be the best time for game viewing safari, bird watching and chimpanzee trekking in Murchison Falls National Park.

During June and July is there is high competition for accommodation as there are a lot of travellers in the park so it is recommended to book your safari several months in advance of you’re the dates of your safari.

Low season

Low season in Murchison Falls National Park is March to May and October to November, because of the heavy rainfall, trails are hard to navigate and lodges in the park may be closed due to bad weather.

In the low season there is also less competition for accommodation thus low prices for the open accommodations.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry season from December to February and June to September, though Murchison Falls National Park is good all year round as it is situated in the semi-arid region of Uganda