Uganda boasts two of East Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. But which one should you choose? Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a landscape photographer, or a first-time visitor to Uganda, this practical comparison will help you decide which park aligns best with your travel goals.
Landscape and Scenery
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a varied landscape that includes crater lakes, rolling savannah, wetlands, and forested gorges. The park’s scenic diversity means every game drive offers new visual textures.
Murchison Falls National Park centers around the dramatic Victoria Nile and its spectacular waterfall. Expect wide open plains in the north and riverine forest in the south, all culminating in the thunderous Murchison Falls.
Verdict: For dramatic river scenery and a classic savannah feel, choose Murchison. For more varied terrain and panoramic drives, Queen Elizabeth wins.
Wildlife Viewing
Murchison Falls is ideal for spotting large mammals like giraffes (not found in Queen Elizabeth), elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and abundant antelope. Hippos and crocodiles dominate the riverbanks.
Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, as well as elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. The predator density is slightly lower, but birdlife is phenomenal.
Verdict: Murchison offers higher game density and species variety, while Queen Elizabeth adds uniqueness with its tree-climbing lions.
Boat Safaris
Queen Elizabeth’s Kazinga Channel cruise reveals one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with elephants and birdlife.
Murchison Falls’ Nile boat safari takes you upriver to the base of the falls, where crocodiles sunbathe and wildlife comes to drink.
Verdict: Both are excellent, but Murchison’s boat safari stands out for its dramatic finale at the falls.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Queen Elizabeth offers chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge, though sightings can be hit-or-miss. Nearby Kalinzu Forest is an alternative with better success rates.
Murchison Falls gives access to Budongo Forest, one of Uganda’s best chimp tracking locations with high success rates and knowledgeable guides.
Verdict: Murchison wins for reliable and rewarding chimpanzee encounters.
Birdwatching
Queen Elizabeth is a birder’s paradise with over 600 recorded species, from flamingos to kingfishers and raptors.
Murchison Falls offers around 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork in its wetland areas.
Verdict: Queen Elizabeth is better for sheer variety, but Murchison appeals to those chasing rarities like the shoebill.
Accessibility and Travel Time
From Kampala/Entebbe:
- Queen Elizabeth: 6-7 hours by road (approx. 370 km)
- Murchison Falls: 4.5-5.5 hours by road (approx. 310 km)
Both parks are also accessible via scheduled or chartered domestic flights.
Verdict: Murchison is slightly quicker to reach by road.
Best for…
- First-timers: Murchison Falls (higher game density, iconic waterfall)
- Scenery and variety: Queen Elizabeth
- Birdwatching: Queen Elizabeth
- Chimp trekking: Murchison Falls
- Tree-climbing lions: Queen Elizabeth
- Shorter travel time: Murchison Falls
Conclusion
There’s no wrong choice between Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls—both parks offer unique experiences. If you’re looking for raw wilderness, high animal density, and Uganda’s most iconic waterfall, Murchison Falls delivers. If you’re drawn to scenic diversity, rich birdlife, and unusual wildlife behavior like tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth might be your match.
For many travelers, combining both parks creates the ultimate Ugandan safari circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes—many Uganda itineraries combine Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, often over 5–7 days, creating a diverse and rewarding safari circuit.
No. Both parks are in malaria-risk areas, so preventive medication and mosquito protection are recommended.
Yes. Each park features a range of options from affordable campsites and lodges to mid-range and luxury safari lodges.
It is possible, especially in Queen Elizabeth, but guided safaris are strongly recommended for safety, navigation, and better wildlife sightings.
The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) are best for wildlife viewing, with less vegetation and easier access to roads.
No. Gorilla trekking is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park, which can be combined with Queen Elizabeth visits.
Yes. Permits are required for both Budongo Forest (Murchison) and Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth) and should be booked in advance.
