Uganda is a meeting point of several African biomes with diverse habitats hence the incredible diversity of wildlife including more than 1070 species, which accounts for about 50% of the bird species in Africa. One of the top birdwatching places in Uganda is the biggest park, Murchison Falls National Park which is more popular for big game safari trips to see animals and spectacular Murchison Falls.
For the birdwatcher, Murchison Falls National Park offers vast habitats and spaces to explore and tick many birds.
This article will guide you on how to explore the park’s many environments and tick off a number of specials and also come back with a big check list. This is in addition to spotting several big game of the African bush and jungle!
Birding in Budongo Forest (southern Murchison Falls National Park)
Located on the edge of the rift valley escarpment, Budongo Forest is East Africa’s largest forest and a favorite destination for forest birds. Part of the forest is located in Murchison Falls National Park, covering much of the park on the southern bank of the Nile River which divides the park into the north and south.
Birding trips to Murchison Falls National Park start with Budongo Forest in the south, and the birding trails are found at Kaniyo Pabidi which is located near the park entry gate of the south. You can spend the night before the birdwatching day at Kaniyo Padi (at Pabidi Lodge) or in the nearby Masindi town. A full day in the forest will reward with so many forest specials and some of these include African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Puvel’s Illapdopsis, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, etc…
Visit to the top of the Murchison Falls
After the Budongo Forest the next destination is the top of the Murchison Falls. Visiting the epic waterfalls is one of the highlights of any trip to Murchison Falls National Park. As you transfer from the south of the park to the top of the falls you drive through the forest that transforms into woodland as you get closer to the Nile. This is a birdwatching drive until you get to the top of the Murchison Falls to view the waterfalls and also a chance tick off the Rock Pratincole. The top of the falls has been proven the most reliable to see the Rock Pratincole.
The forest and woodland will provide plenty of birds.
Plan for a full day of birding and visiting to the top of the falls
Birdwatching on the River Nile (boat trip)
The River Nile crosses through Murchison Falls National Park, dividing the park into the south and the north. The Nile attracts lots of wildlife and boat trips are done on the Nile going upstream to the base of the Murchison Falls.
However, for birdwatching, the boat trip goes downstream to the Albert delta where the Nile pours into Lake Albert. The river bank, marshes and swamps along the Nile and delta provide of water birds. The delta point is one the best places to see the Shoebill.
The birdwatching boat trip on the Nile will last 4 – 5 hours, after which you can continue birding in the rest of the park.
Birdwatching in the savanna on the northern River Bank
Across the Nile on the northern bank is mostly savannah habitat. The big game are found on the northern bank of the Nile and the Nile which limits movement of the animals from the north to south ensures the south is forest while the north is savannah.
You should plan to spend the night in the north or close so that you will have a full day birdwatching drive in the savannah.
You will have a field day of savannah species.
When is the best time to go birding in Murchison Falls National Park?
You can see birds in Murchison Falls Park throughout the year, but the best time is determined by the weather. The dry season is the best time because movement is easier and you are not interrupted by rain. This is from June to mid September, and mid December February.
If you consider recording a big checklist, the best time is from around October to May when the wintering birds are still in the country.
What you need to carry for you birding trip to Murchison Falls National Park
- Binoculars
Leave a Reply