Avian observation in Murchison Falls National Park
Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National site is an engaging activity that draws several people to the site. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park situated in the northern region of Uganda. The national park is recognized for hosting approximately 76 species of mammals, including buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, giraffes, warthogs, and primates like as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons, among others.
Murchison Falls National Park hosts about 450 documented bird species, encompassing migratory, aquatic, Albert Nile endemic, savannah, and forest birds, establishing it as one of Uganda’s premier birdwatching locales. Murchison Falls National Park features several birdwatching locations, including Budongo Forest, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Rabongo Forest, the Albert Delta, and the Buligi region, among others. Bird watching in Murchison falls national park can either be done very early in the morning or in the evening during the game drive, Nile delta boat cruise, boat cruise to the bottom of the falls or guided nature walk with an experienced bird guide who will help you to spot different bird species including the prehistoric Shoebill Stork, Open Billed Stork, Grey Heron, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Grey Crowned Crane, Papyrus Gonolek, Black Crake, Saddle-billed Stork, African Jacana, Spur-winged Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, African Darter, Great Cormorant, Spur-winged Goose, African Wattled Lapwing, Black-crowned Night Heron, Grey-headed Gull, Collared Pranticole, Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Great Purple Heron, Long-tailed Cormorant, Secretary birds, Denham’s Bustard, Palm-nut Vulture, African Emerald Cuckoo, Bare-faced Go Away bird, Martial Eagle, Handsome Spur Fowl, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Black-crowned Tchagra, Double-toothed Barbet, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Marabou Stork, Red-fronted Barbet, Cassin’s Spinetail, Brown Twinspot, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Olive-breasted Greenbul, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Crowned Eagle, White-spotted Flufftail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Sabine’s Spine tail among others.
Expenses for avian observation at Murchison Falls National Park
Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park costs 15 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 10 USD per person for foreign residents, and 10,000 UGX per person for East African citizens. The tariffs, however, do not include park entrance fees or additional activity fees such as nature walk and boat cruise fees.
Optimal period for avian observation at Murchison Falls National Park
Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park is feasible year-round; however, the optimal period is during the dry low season from January to March, as well as in November and April, when colorful and migratory bird species are most visible.
Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park is feasible during the dry season, specifically from June to September, as this period experiences less rainfall, rendering the birdwatching routes dry and accessible, hence facilitating the activity.
Essential items for a birdwatching trip in Murchison Falls National Park
When embarking on a birdwatching safari in Murchison Falls National Park, it is imperative to carry several essential items, including a waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirt and trousers in neutral colors, a warm sweater, binoculars, a field guidebook, a camera with extra batteries, drinking water, a wide-brimmed hat, a flashlight, insect repellent, and a backpack, among others.
Accommodation options for your birdwatching safari in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Numerous lodging options are available at Murchison Falls National Park for your birdwatching trip. The accommodations encompass budget, midrange, and luxury options, including Paraa Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Fort Murchison Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls Bamboo Village, Sambiya River Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Bar Lyec Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Tilenga Safari Lodge, and Chobe Safari Lodge, among others.
Directions to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park is situated in northern Uganda and can be reached via air travel. Scheduled or charter flights can be booked with Aero Link Uganda or Bar Aviation from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Pakuba, Chobe, or Bugungu airstrips, followed by a road transfer to the park headquarters.
Murchison Falls National Park can be reached by road, requiring a journey from Kampala through Masindi to the park headquarters, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours in a safari vehicle.
Additional activities at Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park provides a variety of engaging activities for visitors beyond bird watching, including boat cruises to the base of the falls and the Nile Delta, where one can observe hippos and Nile crocodiles. Additionally, game drives offer opportunities to view diverse wildlife such as buffaloes, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, waterbucks, and giraffes. Sport fishing allows tourists to catch various fish species, while cultural tours facilitate interaction with local communities. Other activities include guided nature walks and drives to the top of the falls for stunning views, as well as Ziwa rhino tracking, among others.
Birdwatching is an exhilarating pursuit in Murchison Falls National Park that may be integrated with other activities such as game drives, cultural tours, and guided nature hikes in Kidepo Valley National Park. For any inquiries regarding bird viewing.
