A brief About Murchison Falls National Park

The most famous adventure spot in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park. It’s known for Uganda adventure safaris because of the fact that its home to the world’s most powerful waterfall.

However, birding in Murchison Falls National Park is so surprising, just see the amazing bird numbers.

It’s the largest park in Uganda covering 3,840sqkm (1,503sqmi) situated in the northern end of the Albertine rift valley. The park covers the districts of Bulisa, Nwoya, Kiryandongo and Masindi.

Bird Species in Murchison Falls National Park

Being home to more than 450 bird species, Murchison Falls National Park bird species include the Albertine rift endemics, savannah birds and water birds.

This diversity in the bird species is a result of the large land mass which ranges from forest, swamps, riverine woodland, savannah and plains of acacia trees.

These bird species are part of those any birder should be ready to tick on their bird list during a birding safari in Uganda.

The elusive Shoebill, Goliath heron, Northern red bishop, red-throated bee-eater, African quail Finch, Pied malachite, Giant kingfisher, Denham’s Bustard, Long-toed Plover, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Venaceous Dove, Black-headed Lapwing, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rock Pratincole, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird.

Other bird species include the Black-billed Barbet, Long-tailed Nightjar, Weaver Birds, Yellow-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, Silver bird, Gray crowned crested crane, Giant Heron, African Jacana, Secretary Bird, Saddle-billed stork, Senegal Thick-Knee, Red winged Grey Warbler, Sandpipers, Pied Kingfishers, Standard-winged Nightjar, Malachite Kingfishers, Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher.

Nile river water bird species to be seen on a Uganda birding tour at Murchison Falls National Park, include the pelicans, Darters and various heron species.

Close to Murchison falls national park, Budongo forest has about 59 “restricted range” species which include the dwarf kingfisher, white thighed hornbill, Goliath heron and the great blue turaco

Migratory birds in Murchison Falls National Park include Abdims stork, northern sholver, Common teal, Eurasian Harrier.

Best Time For Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Birding in Murchison Falls National park is interesting all year round but the best time of the year for an exceptional birding Uganda safari is during the dry months of January to March. This is because at this time there no heavy rains to make the trails slippery for birders.

The breeding season however, is during the month of June and this is when the birds are very colorful. Migratory birds can be sighted in the months of November-March.

What to Carry For a Birding Safari in Murchison Falls National Park

For a perfect birding safari in Uganda, a birder should remember to carry;

• A birding guide book
• sun glasses
• Hats for protection from the scotching sun,
• A pair of binoculars
• Sturdy shoes for hiking as you find the birds

Safari Uganda for very colorful memories with an array of birds in diverse habitats. They will fly over the gushing waterfall, below and above the all-day rainbow and you will be left with nothing but colorful memories.