Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park  is one of the interesting activities that attracts big numbers of tourists to visit Murchison falls national park.

Uganda is home to over 1,085 bird species, and Murchison Falls National Park harbors more than 451 recorded bird species, making it one of the top bird-watching destinations in the country.

Murchison falls national park is the largest national park located in the northwestern part of Uganda and it’s known for harboring different bird species, including water birds, Albertine rift endemic birds, and migratory birds, among others.

Bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park can be enjoyed during game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks in Budongo Forest and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, among others.

Bird watching is best done early in the morning or in the evening with an experienced bird guide  who will help you to spot different bird species, including the prehistoric shoebill stork, black-headed lapwing, secretary bird, Senegal thick-knee, goliath heron, Abdim’s stork, martial eagle, olive-breasted greenbul, white-thighed hornbill, yellow-crested woodpecker, African fish eagle, yellow-footed flycatcher, open-billed stork, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black-headed lapwing, grey-crowned crane, African jacana, Denham’s bustard, palm nut vulture, red-throated bee-eater, malachite kingfisher, blue-headed coucal, black-headed gonolek, swamp flycatcher, white-browed sparrow weaver, squacco heron, speckle-fronted weaver, silverbird, long-tailed nightjar, long-toed plover, African darter, saddle-billed stork, dusky crimsonwing, regal sunbird, and standard-winged nightjar, among others.

Best time to go for bird watching in Murchison falls national park

Bird watching in Murchison falls national park can be done all year round, though the best time is during the low/wet season in the months of January to March and November to April.

During the wet season the national park receives heavy rainfall; therefore, there will be plenty of food for the bird species hence bird lovers will be able to view a variety of colorful and migratory bird species.

speckle-fronted weaver

What to carry for your bird-watching safari in Murchison falls national park

There are a number of items to carry for your bird-watching safari in Murchison falls national park including a field guide with information about different bird species, hiking shoes to keep your feet dry during hiking, a camera and extra batteries to take photos of birds, a pair of binoculars to help you have clear views of different bird species, especially birds at a distance.

Insect repellent to protect your body from biting insects, Energy snacks and drinking water to keep you hydrated, and a waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall. Backpack to carry your birding items, among others.

How to get to Murchison falls national park

Murchison Falls National Park is located in northwestern Uganda and can be accessed by road, with tourists driving from Kampala or Entebbe through Luwero and Masindi to the park headquarters, which takes about 5 to 6 hours in a 4WD safari vehicle.

Murchison falls national park can also be accessed by air transport means whereby tourists will book scheduled or charter domestic flights by Aerolink Uganda limited from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Pakuba, Bugungu or Chobe airstrips.

Where to stay during your birdwatching safari in Murchison falls national park

Murchison falls National Park has a wide range of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your bird-watching safari. The accommodations range from luxury, midrange, budget and campsites, including Nile Safari lodge, Murchison River lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Murchison Tree House, Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Geo Lodges Nile Safari Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Bwana Tembo Safari Camp, Global Village Guest House, Kalalo Cottage Inn, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas, Yebo Safari Camp, Sambiya Safari Lodge, Boomu women’s group Bandas, Amuka Safari Lodge, New Court View Hotel, and Masindi Hotel, among others.

Bird watching is an exciting activity in Murchison falls national park that can be combined with other interesting activities in other parks and Murchison falls national park including game drives, boat cruises, sport fishing, guided nature walks, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, hiking experiences, cultural tours among others.

For more information about birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park, you can reach out to us or visit our website for affordable birdwatching Uganda Safari packages.