Due to the different bird species in Murchison Falls National Park, it makes it among Uganda’s best birding destinations, with over 451 bird species. These include, the Albertine rift endemic birds, water birds, and Savannah birds.
Viewing birds in the scenic landscape and amazing wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park is among the most interesting experiences while on a Ugandan safari. The park is located in the northwestern part of the country, that’s about 305 km from Kampala at approximately a 5-hour drive by road.
There are very many bird species in Murchison Falls National Park of which some are rare, common, and occasional. These include the gray-crowned crane (Uganda’s National bird), giant Kingfisher, giant Heron, shoebill stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Nightjars, Marabou stork, Black headed lapwing, and Back-bellied Bustard among others.
The different bird species in Murchison Falls can be best spotted while on a safari game drive or nature walks through the savannah grasslands. You can also enjoy many while on a Victoria Nile boat cruise along the Nile and on Lake Albert Delta. Birds like the blue napped mousebirds, silver birds, and weavers among others, can be spotted near Paraa and Red Chilli Lodge, through the dry thorn-shrubs.
Nocturnal birds like the nightjars can be seen along the Paraa road and while on the boat on the Nile. While on the boat still, very many birds such as the shoebill, Gray crowned cranes, Goliath herons, and black headed lapwings among others can be spotted.
Best time to see a variety of bird species in Murchison Falls National Park
Birding in Murchison Falls National Park can be conducted all year round, but the perfect time is the wet season from early March to mid-May and then September to November. This is because it is the breeding season for most of the birds, so you will be rewarded with views of numerous bird species. The best months for viewing/seeing the migratory bird species are from November to April.
In conclusion, Murchison Falls National Park accounts the second Uganda national park birding destination after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Park is one of the perfect bird watching destinations in Uganda where you will get to see over 451 bird species harbored in this park. It is also the biggest national park in Uganda with numerous birding spots that include the forest, river, lakes, bush and savanna vegetation among others. For a memorable bird watching experience, visit Murchison Fall National Park and you will live to cherish its beauty.