Comparing Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park: Which is Better?

Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are the most popular and frequently visited national parks in Uganda. The national parks offer exceptional opportunities for tourists to witness the different wildlife species from the Big Five when you go via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Both national parks offer different safari activities that include game drives, bird watching, boat rides, and cultural trips and guided game drives. Let's compare the two parks, highlighting their activities, wildlife, and overall safari experiences to help you decide which one is better suited for your adventure.

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park vs. Murchison Falls National Park

Boat Cruises

Both Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park offer boat cruises, providing a unique way to spot wildlife along the water’s edge.

Murchison Falls National Park: The boat cruise along the River Nile is a highlight, taking about 3 hours. This cruise offers sightings of various animals, but the main attraction is the approach to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. You can also combine the boat ride with a hike to the top of the falls for an even more thrilling experience.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Kazinga Channel boat ride is slightly shorter, lasting about 2 hours. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward, and during the cruise, you can spot crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

Game Drives

Game drives are the primary activity in both parks, offering the chance to see a wide range of wildlife.

Murchison Falls National Park: Game drives here are considered superior due to the longer tracks and the higher likelihood of spotting more animals, especially during morning drives. The Park is divided into northern and southern sections by the Nile River, with the northern section having the highest concentration of wildlife due to its extensive savannah grasslands.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game drives are conducted mainly in the Kasenyi plains and last about 3 hours. While the tracks are shorter compared to Murchison, the park is still rich in wildlife.

Availability of Wildlife

Both parks boast diverse wildlife, but there are some differences in the species you can expect to see.

Murchison Falls National Park: Home to the Nubian giraffes (formerly known as Rothschild’s giraffes), which are not found in Queen Elizabeth. The Park also has a significant population of elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and higher number of hyenas compared to Murchison. The Park is also famous for the tree-climbing lions found in the Ishasha sector. Both parks offer similar chances of spotting lions, but the unique tree-climbing behavior in Queen Elizabeth is a special attraction.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity in Uganda, and both parks offer opportunities to track these primates.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Kyambura Gorge is home to a small population of habituated chimpanzees. While spotting chimps is not guaranteed, the trek through the gorge offers the chance to see other wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species.

Murchison Falls National Park: Chimpanzee trekking is available in the Budongo Forest, located on the southern edge of the park. The forest is home to several habituated chimpanzee families, providing a more reliable trekking experience compared to Kyambura Gorge.

Bird Watching

Queen Elizabeth National Park: With over 600 bird species, it is a paradise for bird watchers. The park’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, savannahs, and forests, attract a wide variety of birds.

Murchison Falls National Park: While it has fewer bird species compared to Queen Elizabeth, it offers a better chance of spotting the elusive shoebill stork. The park’s varied landscapes also support a rich birdlife.

Cultural Tours

Both parks offer cultural trips that provide insights into the local communities and their way of life. These trips often include visits to nearby villages, traditional dance performances, and opportunities to purchase handmade crafts. The Bomu Women’s group near Murchison Falls National Park and Kasoga Community in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best Time to Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park: The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These periods offer better wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources.

Murchison Falls National Park: Similarly, the dry seasons from December to February and June to September are ideal for visiting. The reduced vegetation during these months makes it easier to spot wildlife.

Where to sleep When there

Both parks offer a range of accommodation options, from budget campsites to luxurious lodges. These accommodations are strategically located to provide comfort, proximity to the parks, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Many lodges also feature curio shops where you can purchase souvenirs and local crafts.

How Safe is Queen Elizabeth NP and Murchison Falls National Park?

Both Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks are considered safe for tourists. However, it’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by your tour operator and local authorities. Always stay with your group, avoid wandering off alone, and adhere to the rules and regulations of the parks.

Making Choices on which one to visit

Choosing between Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park depends on your interests and what you hope to experience on your safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is ideal for bird watchers, those interested in seeing tree-climbing lions, and visitors looking for a diverse range of wildlife in a picturesque setting.

Murchison Falls National Park offers a more extensive game drive experience, the unique sight of the powerful Murchison Falls, and a higher chance of spotting the Nubian giraffe.

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Whether you opt for a 5 Days wildlife, Gorillas and Chimpanzee Trekking safari In Uganda or a longer itinerary, you need to book your next Uganda safari in advance for easy planning. Contact Us to help you book the gorilla permit and organise your entire safari to Uganda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.