By Joro Expeditions, Uganda Safari Experts

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s classic big-game safari destination, a place with wide savannahs, powerful waterfalls, abundant wildlife and one of the highest lion populations in East Africa. For many of our German, Swiss and Austrian guests, this park becomes the absolute highlight of their entire Uganda journey.

But when is the best time to visit Murchison Falls for wildlife, photography and smooth safari conditions?

Here is your complete, expert-designed guide.

🦁 Why Murchison Falls Is Uganda’s Best Classic Safari Park

Travelers often say that Murchison Falls feels like a perfect mix of:

• Serengeti-style savannahs

• The Nile River’s wildlife density

• Zero overcrowding

This combination makes it one of East Africa’s most rewarding safari regions — especially if you want lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos and impressive predator sightings.

Guests also share that the park feels “peaceful and authentic,” with game drives that offer intimate wildlife encounters, not tourist traffic jams.

🌞 Best Time to Visit Murchison Falls: The Dry Seasons

The best overall safari conditions occur during the two dry seasons:

✔ June – August

✔ December – February

During these months:

• vegetation is short → animals are easier to spot

• wildlife gathers around the Nile → guaranteed sightings

• weather is dry, sunny and predictable

• roads and game drive tracks are in perfect condition

• photography is excellent (golden light, clear skies)

This is when travelers most often experience lion prides resting in the open, elephants walking along riverbanks, and huge concentrations of hippos and crocodiles along the Nile.

🌿 Green Season (March–May & September–November)

If you prefer fewer tourists and dramatic green scenery, the green season can be a beautiful option.

✔ Pros:

• lower lodge rates

• lush, fresh landscapes

• active birdlife

• peaceful, quiet game drives

✘ Cons:

• taller vegetation can hide some wildlife

• occasional rain showers

• game drives may require more time and patience

Still, many guests say they loved the “deep green African feeling” during this period.

🐘 Wildlife Highlights in Murchison Falls

Regardless of when you visit, the park is a powerhouse of wildlife.

Here’s what guests commonly see:

Lions

Often in groups near the river or under acacia trees. Best viewed in the dry seasons.

Elephants

Large herds gather along the Nile — especially January–March and July–September.

Rothschild Giraffes

Murchison Falls has Africa’s largest population of this rare species.

Hippos & Crocodiles

Some of the highest densities on the entire Nile River.

Leopards

Frequently seen in early mornings.

Birdlife

Over 450 species, including the rare shoebill.

🌊 Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Nile Boat Safari

Murchison Falls is the only park in East Africa with a boat safari to the base of a waterfall.

What travelers say:

• “The amount of wildlife along the Nile felt unreal.”

• “This was as memorable as seeing gorillas.”

The boat cruise offers guaranteed sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalos and often lions resting near the riverbanks.

Dry seasons → best visibility
Green seasons → most dramatic scenery

📸 Best Time for Photography

If photography is important, here is your guide:

Best Light & Clear Skies:

✔ June–August
✔ December–February

Most Dramatic Green Landscapes:

✔ April–May
✔ October–November

Rare Scenes (Fog + Sunrise on the Nile):

✔ March–April

🇩🇪 Why German-Speaking Travelers Love Murchison Falls

Guests from Germany, Switzerland and Austria often highlight:

• fewer vehicles compared to Tanzania/Kenya

• high wildlife density near the Nile

• safe, calm and authentic atmosphere

• excellent value for money

• cleaner, quieter safari experience

• perfect destination for 7–14 day trips

Many describe the park as “East Africa’s best balance of adventure, wildlife and peaceful nature.”

🚐 Plan Your Murchison Falls Safari With Joro Expeditions

At Joro Expeditions, we design personalized Uganda safari itineraries specifically for German-speaking travelers.

With us, you enjoy:

✔ experienced local guides
✔ private or small-group game drives
✔ Nile boat cruises and waterfall hikes
✔ flexible schedules
✔ premium lodge recommendations
✔ support in German-friendly communication style

📩 Ready to plan your safari?
Contact Joro Expeditions and we’ll help you choose the perfect time and itinerary for Murchison Falls.