Bird Watching in Murchison Falls National Park: Murchison Falls National Park, one of the top birding destinations in Uganda, is found in northeastern Uganda and is the largest conservation area. Murchison Falls National Park is famous for its Murchison Falls, which are formed as a result of the Victoria Nile forcing itself through a rocky, narrow gorge, hence creating the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
The park is home to over 460 bird species, including forest birds, savannah birds, migratory birds, and aquatic birds. Birding in Murchison Falls National Park can be done during the Nile Delta or the bottom of the falls boat cruise, guided nature walks in Budongo and Rabongo forests, and many more. The bird species checklist of Murchison Falls National Park include the majestic and rare shoebill stork, spur winged lapwing, malachite king fisher, papyrus gonolek, Egyptian goose, grey heron, hadada ibis, double toothed Barbet, Long Crested Eagle, Blue Breasted Kingfisher, White Thighed Hornbill, Flycatcher, Yellow footed Fly Catcher.
Also, palm nut Vulture, Great Cormorant, Rock Pranticole, Little stint, Little Egret, African Darter common Ringed Plover, red throated bee eater, African Open Billed Stork, red chested Cuckoo, Black Crowned Tchagra, Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Pels ishing Owl, Green winged Ptyilia, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Helmented Guinea Fowl, Secretary Bird, Purple Heron, Egyptian Vulture, Senegal Thick-knee, Night jars, Marabou Stork, black headed lapwing, back bellied bustard and many more.
Places to view birds in Murchison Falls National Park
Budongo Forest
Budongo forest is one of the leading birding destinations in Murchison Falls National Park and a haven to over 360 bird species, including the 2 endemics, which are the yellow-footed flycatcher and Puvel’s illadopsis. Other bird species include black eared ground thrush, cassin’s eagle, cassin’s spine-tail, chestnut-capped flycatcher, brown twin-spot, crested Guinea fowl, Crowned eagle, Ituri Batis, olive-breasted greenbul, and many more to be looked out for during a nature walk.
Lake Albert Delta
Lake Albert Delta is in the southwestern region of Murchison Falls National Park, an area where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert. The Albert delta is home to numerous birds that can be spotted hiding in the shrubs and the vegetation floating on the water. Birds to be spotted include grey heron, shoebill stork, woodpecker, kingfishers, geese, ducks, francolin, warblers, and many more, which can be spotted while on the boat cruise to the bottom of the waterfalls.
Near Paara and Red chilli
Paraa Safari Lodge is also a good spot for birders, while within Murchison Falls National Park. The shrubs around the Paraa and Red chill lodges attract numerous bad species, and these can be easily spotted without leaving the comfort of your lodge.
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is also a good birding spot in Murchison Falls National Park. Situated in the southern region of the park, the forest is home to bird species like white thighed hornbill, Puvel’s illadopsis, yellow-footed flycatcher, and ituri batis. These birds can easily be spotted during forest nature walks.
Best Time for Birding in Murchison Falls National Park & What to Carry
Murchison Falls National Park is a birding paradise, boasting over 450 recorded bird species, including some of Uganda’s most sought-after birds like the Shoebill Stork, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Goliath Heron, and countless migratory and endemic species. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, Murchison offers an unforgettable experience.
Birding in Murchison Falls is good year-round, but the optimal time is during the dry seasons: December to February and from June to early September. During these months, birds are more active, visibility is better, and access to birding hotspots like the Nile Delta, Buligi Game Tracks, and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is easier due to drier roads.
If you’re particularly interested in migratory species, visit between November and April. This period coincides with the arrival of Palearctic migrants from Europe and Asia, enriching the diversity of sightings.
What to Carry on Your Birding Safari
To make the most of your birding adventure in Murchison Falls, come prepared with;
- Binoculars: Essential for spotting birds in distant trees or across savannahs. Choose good-quality, lightweight ones
- Field Guidebook: A bird guide to East Africa or Uganda helps identify species on the go.
- Notebook or Birding App: For recording sightings and behaviors.
- Camera with Zoom Lens: Optional, but great for capturing close-ups without disturbing birds.
- Wide-brimmed Hat & Sunscreen: Protection from the strong African sun.
- Long-sleeved Clothing: Lightweight but protective gear against insects and the sun.
- Insect Repellent: Tsetse flies and mosquitoes are common.
- Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks: Birding often means long hours in the field.