Birdwatching in Murchison falls national park is one of the best wildlife activity every birder should never miss. Murchison falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park located in western Uganda. Murchison falls national park is a home to over 76 wildlife species with a recorded number of 460 bird species. The park accommodates Africa’s big 4 animals and these are; leopards, lions, buffaloes and elephants. Other wildlife that dwell in Murchison falls national park include; giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, hippopotami, warthogs, chimpanzees in the southern part of the park in Budongo forest, baboons, monkeys among others.
Much as Murchison falls national park incorporates many activities including game drives in Murchison falls national park, boat cruise in Murchison falls national park, chimpanzee trekking, guided nature walk among others, birding is among the top activities in the park. Some of the bird species that thrive in the park include; shoebill storks, Abyssinian ground hornbill, saddle billed stork, grey crowned crane, Pennant-winged nightjar, chestnut crowned sparrow-weaver, palm-nit vultures, red-throated bee-eater,, spur-winged goose, malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, great cormorant, black crake, collared Pratincole, little egret, African jacana, Squacco heron, purple heron, long tailed cormorant, martial eagle, bare-faced go-away bird, helmeted guinea fowl, double-toothed barbet among others.
How much is Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park?
The cost of birdwatching in Murchison falls national park depends on one’s nationality. For instance, foreign non-residents pay 30$ per person, 25$ for foreign residents and 20,000 Ugx for East African residents. These fares are exclusive of the park entry fees where foreign non-residents pay 45$, 35$ foreign residents and 25000 Ugx East African residents.
What is the Best time for birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park?
Birdwatching experience in Murchison falls national park can done throughout the year. However, there are best times which are highly encouraged than others. For example the best time for birdwatching is between March to May, and then November to April. This is when there are lots of foods in the park and also expects to see migratory birds.
What to Carry for Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park?
There are number items that should never miss on your list while going for birdwatching in Murchison falls national park. And among these include;
- Long sleeved shirt
- Trousers
- Hiking shoes
- Rain jacket
- Binoculars
- Camera and extra batteries
- Insect repellent
- Back pack
- Mineral water
- Snacks
Where to Stay During Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park?
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Murchison falls national park where birders can spend their time while on birding. The accommodation ranges from budget accommodation in Murchison falls national park, midrange accommodation in Murchison falls national park and luxury accommodation. Some of the lodges in Murchison falls national park include; Paraa Safari lodge, Pakuba Safari lodge, Sambiya River lodge, Chobe Safari lodge, Fort-Murchison lodge, Nile Safari lodge, Tilenga Safari lodge among others.
How to get to Murchison Falls National Park?
Murchison falls national park can be accessed by both air and road transport.
By Air: You can book a domestic flight or chartered flight with Aerolink or Bar aviation from Entebbe and you can land at Pakuba airstrip, Chobe airstrip or Bugungu airstrip where you can connect to the rest of the park with a safari vehicle. Air transport is mainly used by luxury travelers or travelers who have a limited time and do not want to use a lot of time on the road.
By Road: You can access Murchison falls national park via road transport where you will drive from Entebbe/Kampala. It will take you about 6 to 7hours on the road. This form of transport is mainly used by travelers who want to experience the countryside, beautiful sceneries and have time to incorporate all of that.
You can combine birdwatching in Murchison falls national park with game drives in Queen Elizabeth national park, chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu forest or gorilla trekking experience in Uganda which takes place in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
