Bird Watching Safaris in Murchison Falls National Park: Do you want to go bird watching in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park? One of the best destinations to go birding on a safari in Uganda, which is home to over 451 different species of birds. The national park is located in the districts of Masindi, Nwoya, Bulisa, and Kiryandingo in the northwest of the country. In 1952, Murchison Falls National Park was gazetted as a protected area to safeguard the park’s many animal species and ecosystems.
Currently, more than 451 bird species are accommodated Murchison Falls National Park, including indigenous, migratory, and common species. During game drives, guided nature walks, river nile boat cruises, and even from your lodge, you may spot birds. These birds have found food and cozy houses among the savannah vegetation present in the national park.
There are a number of locations at Murchison Falls National Park where one may see birds. The Budongo forests, Lake Albert delta, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, and River Nile are a few of the birdwatching locations in Murchison Falls National Park. Nature walks are the best way to see the most birds, although game drives and boat cruises are other good ways to go bird watching. Armed ranger guides who are knowledgeable about these routes and bird identification will lead you on the nature hikes.
Birds to see in Murchison falls national park
Papyrus gonolek, silver bird, long-toed plover, pied kingfisher, yellow-billed stork, black-headed lawping, black-billed barbet, veracious dove, rock pratincole, standard winged nightjar, denham’s bustard, blue-headed coucal, whistling cisticola, speckle fronted weaver, Senegal thick-knee, African qualifinch, eastern grey plantain eater, piapiac, goliath heron, palm nut vulture, and squacco heron are among the more than 450 species found in Murchison Falls National Park.
African dwarf kingfisher, brown twinspot, black-eared ground thrush, plain greenbul, little green sunbird, puvel’s illadopsis, crowned eagle, ituri batis, olive breasted greenbul, yellow-footed flycatcher, white-thighed hornbill, yellow-crested woodpecker, sabine’s spinetail, African jacana, yellow fronted tinkerbird, marital eagle, and others are found in Murchison Falls National Park.
What to pack for bird watching
To get the most out of birdwatching adventure, tourists to Murchison Falls National Park should arrive well-prepared. Among other things, they should bring a camera, a pair of binoculars, insect repellents, sunscreen, a notepad, a tape recorder, a drinking water bottle, cotton stockings, a rain jacket, a sweater, a cap, long-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved pants, a camera, and energy-boosting foods.
How much is birding in Murchison falls national park?
A birding permit, which can be purchased at the park headquarters, is required in order to engage in birdwatching at Murchison Falls National Park. The cost of the armed ranger guides who accompany you during the entire birding activity is included in the birding permit prices. The cost of a birding permit is UGX20,000 for East African nationals, $25 for international residents, and $30 for foreign non-residents.
Birdwatchers visiting Murchison Falls National Park should be aware that the birdwatching charge is not included in the park entrance cost. Instead, visitors must pay the entrance fee, which is UGX25,000 for East African nationals and $45 for international non-residents and $35 for foreign residents.
The ideal time of year to visit Murchison Falls National Park for birdwatching
Although you may go bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park at any time of year, certain months are better than others. Since migrating birds are present in Murchison Falls National area throughout those months, April to November are the ideal times to visit the area for birdwatching. Because there is a plenty of food for birds in the park, birdwatching is extremely enjoyable during the dry months of December through February.
The wet seasons of September, October, March, and April are the best times to go bird watching in Murchison Falls National Park, however the area experiences a lot of rain, which slows down activities if the trails get too muddy and slick. The towering, dense foliage during the wet season makes it difficult to see the park animals.
Where to stay on a birding safari
Birdwatchers who intend to visit Murchison Falls National Park need not worry about lodging because the park offers a number of lodging options that are adequate for visitors. Depending on your budget, you may choose from a variety of lodging alternatives in various parts of the park, including affordable, mid-range, and luxury options.
Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Red Chilli Rest Camp, Budongo Eco Lodge, Heritage Safari Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Baker’s Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Kabalega Wilderness Lodge, Amuika Safari Lodge, Parkside Safari Lodge, Boomu Womens Group Bandas, and Murchison Tree House are just a few of the lodging options available in Murchison Falls National Park.