Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Are you looking for birding safari in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda? Murchison is the largest park in Uganda and made of savannah, riverine and woodland Vegetations. The Park covers an area of 3893 Sq Km and the districts of Buliisa, Masindi, Nwoya and Kiryandongo.

Murchison falls National Park is home to 0ver 450 bird species and it’s the best bird watching sites in Uganda. Here we can experience both the Nile and Victoria Habitants of birds. Birds in this category are almost a certain sighting during a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. The park is also home to some of the Albertine Rift Endemic bird species.

Some of the rare but species that can be sighted include, the giant heron, the shoebill stork, the giant kingfisher, the grey crowned cranes, Abyssinian ground hornbill, night jars, blacked headed lapwing, blacked billed bustard, African darter, Senegal thick knee, marital eagle, secretary bird, and osprey among others.

During the months of November to April, the park receives some migratory birds from Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Europe. They migrate to Uganda during these ties to run away from the cold seasons in those countries. The means it’s during the winter season in Europe that you have a chance to see some of these migratory birds.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK FOR BIRDING

With over 450 bird species, Murchison falls National Park is one of the biggest birding spots in Uganda. The best time to visit Murchison falls national park is January, February, and March. These are the dry months. This period is also low season and has low tourist numbers, making it easy to move around the park easily.

In the months of August to November are wet months and not the best time to visit the park since the roads become abit impassable.

WHERE TO STAY IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK DURING BIRDING TOUR

Budget Lodge

• Budongo eco lodge
• Red Chilli Safari Camp
• HornBill Safari Lodge

Midrange Lodge

• Pakuba Lodge,
• Kabalega Wilderness Camp,
• Murchison River Lodge

Luxury safari Lodges

• Paraa Safari lodge,
• Chobe safari Lodge,
• Bakers Lodge

WHAT TO DO IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK AFTER BIRD WATCHING

Murchison Falls National Park being one of the biggest national park, there are many activities one can do on a safari other than birding. Here are some of the activities one can do in Murchison Falls National Park.

HIKING THE TOP OF THE FALLS: Due to the increase of the water levels on Murchison Falls National Park, the hiking cannot be done from the bottom but you can be driven to the top of the falls by car. The top of the falls give of a chance to see the waters of the falls force its way through a small gorge. This spot is good for good photography.

BOAT CRUISE ON THE NILE: This is perhaps one of the most common activity in Murchison falls. You will have a chance to view water birds and many other animals like Hippos and crocodiles. There are a variety of boat options you can book from VIP boats to shared one.

SPORT FISHING: You will have to obtain a license from Uganda Wildlife Authority to do this activity. You will catch Nile Perch and Tilapia and many other fish types.

CHIMPANZEE TRACKING; on a safari to Murchison Falls National Park, one can do chimpanzee tracking in Budongo forest an extension the park.

HOT AIR BALOON: This is one of the most recent activities to be introduced in the Park. You will have a chance to see the park from the air for an hour. You will get a chance to take good pictures for your memory.