Birdwatching Hotspots in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls National Park is a fantastic birding destination in Uganda, boasting over 450 recorded bird species across diverse habitats. It offers a unique combination of savannah, riverine, forest, and wetland birds, making it a truly rewarding experience for birdwatchers.

Here are the top birdwatching hotspots within Murchison Falls National Park:

  1. The Victoria Nile Delta (where the Nile enters Lake Albert):

    This is undoubtedly the most famous birding hotspot in Murchison Falls, and for a very good reason: it’s one of the most reliable places in Africa to spot the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork.

    • Activity: Take a boat cruise downstream from Paraa towards the delta.
    • Key Species: Shoebill Stork, African Skimmer, Goliath Heron, Grey Crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, various kingfishers (Giant, Pied, Malachite), African Jacana, Long-toed Plover, and numerous ducks and geese. The density of waterbirds here is phenomenal.

  2. The Nile River Banks (Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls):

    The boat trip upstream from Paraa to the base of Murchison Falls is not just for viewing the falls; it’s a fantastic birding experience.

    • Activity: Boat cruise upstream from Paraa.
    • Key Species: This cruise offers excellent views of waterbirds, raptors, and birds in the riverine vegetation. Look out for African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, African Darter, various kingfishers, Pied Kingfisher, Rock Pratincole (especially near the falls), Red-throated Bee-eaters (often nesting in sandy cliffs), White-fronted Bee-eaters, and Osprey.

  3. The Savannah Plains (Game Drives in the Northern Bank):

    The expansive savannah grasslands north of the Nile are excellent for dry-country and grassland species.

    • Activity: Game drives, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.
    • Key Species: Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (often seen walking in pairs), Secretary Bird, Denham’s Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, various francolins and spurfowls (Heuglin’s, Crested), Senegal Thick-knee, Black-headed Lapwing, and numerous weavers, bishops, and finches. The Buligi area is particularly good.

  4. Budongo Forest (Kaniyo Pabidi & Royal Mile):

    While technically outside the main Murchison Falls park entrance, Budongo Forest is part of the greater Murchison Falls Conservation Area and is easily accessible. It offers a completely different set of forest-dwelling birds.

    • Activity: Guided nature walks.
    • Key Species: This is a prime spot for rare forest birds. Look for Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Puvel’s Illadopsis (Budongo endemics), Crowned Eagle, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, White-thighed Hornbill, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Ituri Batis, Nahan’s Francolin, and various greenbuls and apalis species. The “Royal Mile” section is particularly famed.

  5. Around the Lodges and Paraa Area:

    Even around your accommodation or the main Paraa hub, there’s excellent birding to be had.

    • Activity: Casual walks around lodge grounds, along roadsides.
    • Key Species: Common species often seen include Marabou Storks, Piapiacs, various weaver birds, African Pied Wagtail, Fork-tailed Drongo, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and colourful sunbirds. Night drives can reveal nocturnal species like various Nightjars (Plain, Long-tailed, Pennant-winged) and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, and if very lucky, Pel’s Fishing Owl.

Best Time for Birdwatching in Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls offers good birding year-round, but generally:

  • Wet Season (November to April): This is often considered the absolute best time for serious birders. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present, boosting species numbers significantly. Resident birds are also in breeding plumage, making them more vibrant and active. While some roads can be muddy, the rewards for birding are high.
  • Dry Season (June to October and December to February): While migratory birds might be fewer, the dry season makes it easier to spot birds as vegetation is less dense and they congregate around shrinking water sources. This also coincides with the peak season for mammal viewing, allowing for a fantastic combined safari experience.

Murchison Falls National Park provides an unparalleled birding adventure, especially for those hoping to tick off the legendary Shoebill and experience the rich avian diversity of Uganda.