Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy is a protected area in Uganda.

Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Northern Uganda & Murchison Falls, Uganda, East Africa
Coordinates
2.541437, 31.570377
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February (dry seasons) for gorilla trekking and wildlife.

Getting to Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

Nearest airport: Moyo Airfield (OYG), 125 km away.

Nearest international airport: Juba International Airport (JUB), 259 km away.

Big Five in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

3 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy occur in February, averaging 27.9°C (up to 35.0°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 24.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 19.2mm. Average humidity: 50.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.5°C (rainfall: 19.2mm)
  • February: 27.9°C (rainfall: 19.2mm)
  • March: 26.9°C (rainfall: 87.0mm)
  • April: 25.2°C (rainfall: 135.8mm)
  • May: 25.0°C (rainfall: 127.0mm)
  • June: 24.6°C (rainfall: 72.7mm)
  • July: 24.2°C (rainfall: 83.2mm)
  • August: 24.1°C (rainfall: 120.4mm)
  • September: 24.1°C (rainfall: 150.6mm)
  • October: 24.3°C (rainfall: 161.0mm)
  • November: 24.3°C (rainfall: 145.0mm)
  • December: 25.5°C (rainfall: 22.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

The best months to visit Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.47°C, rainfall 19.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 50%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.86°C, rainfall 19.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 45.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 26.94°C, rainfall 87mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 61.4%
  • April: Great, temperature 25.18°C, rainfall 135.8mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 74.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 24.97°C, rainfall 127mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 75.8%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.63°C, rainfall 72.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 24.23°C, rainfall 83.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • August: Great, temperature 24.08°C, rainfall 120.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.07°C, rainfall 150.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 24.26°C, rainfall 161mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 77.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 24.26°C, rainfall 145mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 76.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.52°C, rainfall 22.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 62.6%

Wildlife in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

Home to 119 recorded species including 37 waterbirds, 34 iconic birds, 30 birds of prey, 4 big five, 3 big herbivores, 3 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 25.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy

16 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Northern Uganda & Murchison Falls

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Uganda

Travel advisory for Uganda

Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy FAQs

What is the optimal time to visit Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy to witness its famous wildlife and the powerful Murchison Falls?

The dry seasons, from December to February and June to September, are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. During these months, the Murchison Falls are also at their most dramatic, with the Nile River forcing its way through a narrow gorge.

What unique wildlife species can I expect to encounter in Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy, and are there any specific viewing opportunities?

Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy is renowned for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, which is frequently seen here. Boat safaris on the Nile River offer exceptional chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and a vast array of waterbirds, including the elusive shoebill stork.

Given its remote nature, what are the best ways to access Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy, and what should I know about travel within the park?

Travelers can reach the conservancy by chartered flight to airstrips like Pakuba or Bugungu, offering quick access. Alternatively, a scenic drive from Kampala takes approximately 5-6 hours, requiring a sturdy 4x4 vehicle due to varying road conditions within the park.

What are the typical activities available at Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy, and are there any unique cultural or conservation experiences?

Beyond traditional game drives, a highlight is the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, offering spectacular views and wildlife sightings along the Nile. You can also embark on a hike to the top of the falls for a different perspective or visit nearby communities for cultural insights, supporting local conservation efforts.

What are the general costs associated with a safari to Murchison Aswa Falls Conservancy, and how can I plan my budget effectively?

Budgeting should account for park entry fees, accommodation ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges, and activity costs like game drives and boat safaris. It's advisable to book through a reputable tour operator who can arrange transport, permits, and guides, often providing better value.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Uganda by Philip Briggs - The definitive guide to Uganda - gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls, and chimp tracking. Detailed practical information from Africa's leading guidebook author.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.