Best time to spot the shoebill stork in Murchison Falls National Park

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park is exciting with a chance of spotting the shoebill, especially in the morning time of the day. The dry season is the most preferred season for birding in Murchison Falls National Park although this adventure is all year around.

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Murchison Falls National Park lies astride the equator with the northern and southern parts. River Nile is the lifeblood of Murchison Falls National Park. At the moment over 450 bird species have been recorded as residents of Murchison Falls National Park.

The long list of bird species in Murchison Falls National Park is awed to the variety of unique habitats and lots of superb birds that make a visit to Murchison Falls a must for keen birders. This park is the largest Uganda National Park covering about 3893 square kilometers.

Different locations of Murchison Falls National Park provide a great opportunity to spot various bird species. A walk from the dry thorn shrub between Red Chillis Camp and the ferry crossing provides chances to spot birds like the Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver, Black Headed Gonolek, Silverbird, Black Headed Batis, Blue-naped Mousebird.

The Nile Safari Camp outside the Murchison Falls National Park boundary stream offers better chances to spot the shoebill stork. Other birds you may spot include Saddle billed stork, Grey crowned Crane, Long toed Plover, African Fish Eagle, African Skimmers and others.

By taking a boat trip from Paraa to the papyrus Delta where Victoria Nile water merges with Lake Albert, there are chances to spot the Shoebill stork during this 4 to 5 hours voyage and other wild animals.

What Else to do in Murchison falls National Park

Game Drive 

The birding safari in Murchison Falls National Park coupled with a game drive in this park is an excellent adventure. The game drive on the tracks of Murchison Falls National Park especially Buligi trail may give you the opportunity to spot wild animals like the lions, leopards, hyenas, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, Uganda kobs, warthogs, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, hartebeest, giant forest hogs to mention but a few.

Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are best enjoyed early morning and late afternoon when most animals emerge from or return to their high hideouts.

Launch Trip To Murchison Falls

The Launch trip to Murchison Falls is one of the highlights of a visit to this Park. As you sail, you may spot a variety of birds by the river banks and several wild animals that move down to quench thirst and take a bath. Schools of hippos and serried ranks of crocodiles hang out all day in the water of River Nile and by the sandy banks. 

Finally as you draw closer to the falls, you feel a change in the boat turbulence and a foamy appearance comes into view on the surface of River Nile. You hear the thundering roar of the falls every second and finally when Murchison Falls comes into view, you feel its power.

At the Murchison Falls, River Nile water squeezes through the narrow bend of about 6 meters wide to burst through and form a cloudy appearance. A rainbow may form right before your eyes at this point on a clear sunny day.

The River Nile water cascades down the 41 meters high cliff to the bottom and continue with its course. this about three-hour return trip is mesmerizing.

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls.

If you wish to visit the River Nile Kitchen where all its drama is prepared, then the hike to the top of the falls is the ideal activity to see all this. Before finally exploding through the narrow bend to form Murchison Falls, River Nile stumbles over a bed of underlying rocks for about 80 kilometers. 

The top of the falls is where you witness the final drama of River Nile as sights and sounds of this River are made. No wonder Murchison Falls is referred to as the most important part of River Nile. To get to the top of the falls, you can use the boat or vehicle.

 Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi

Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi forest just 8 kilometers from the Kicubanyombo gate is exciting. Chimpanzees are the closest human relative in animal kingdom because they bear about 98% human DNA. Two chimpanzee trekking sessions happen in Kaniyo Pabidi forest each day that is morning and afternoon. 

One needs to secure a chimpanzee permit in advance to be allowed to take part in this adventure. Every tourist must attend chimpanzee briefing for each session so that guidelines of chimpanzee trekking are well explained to them.

This forest also hosts other primates like blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus and others. A variety of birds are residents of this forest too and some of the few fully grown leftover Mahogany trees in Uganda.

 Sports Fishing In Murchison Falls National Park

Anglers on Uganda safari to Murchison Falls National Park have the opportunity to catch some fish species. Advance arrangements need to be made and clearance from Uganda Wildlife Authority to be allowed to fish in this Park.

Some of the fish species you may have chance to catch include Nile perch, Cat fish, Lung fish, Tilapia and others. it is a catch and release activity. 

 To feel comfortable, carry your own fishing equipment but hire a boat and captain in advance for better arrangements.

Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Although Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not inside Murchison Falls National Park, it is along the way to this park. you can take an excursion to this Rhino rehabilitation sanctuary as a way to support their re-introduction into Uganda. 

In the past, Rhinos lived in Uganda but because of the endless civil wars in the country and poaching for rituals, these have been wiped out of the country. Under the new program, Rhinos are being introduced into Uganda and so far the outcomes are positive as calves have been registered at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary over the years.

How much is the cost of Safari to Murchison Falls National Park?

The cost of a safari to Murchison Falls National Park is proceeded by the park entrance fees no matter the package. At the moment the cost of Park entrance fees for Murchison Falls National Park is $45 per person per 24 hours. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we package our safaris according to Up-Market, Mid-range and basic.

Some of the items considered when making a Murchison Falls National Park quotation include number of days on safari, people travelling with, safari timing, safari package you choose, activities to do on safari and others.

Is Murchison Falls National Park Safe to visit?

Murchison Falls National Park is safe for any activity including birding. Murchison Falls National Park is one of the 10 Uganda National Parks under the supervision of Uganda Wildlife Authority. on ground are well trained ranger guides from this body well trained and ready to protect and preserve wildlife, its habitants and visitors.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides work closely with other Uganda Security agencies to keep law and order in around the Park.

While in Murchison Falls National Park, all tourists are required to abide by the rules of the park to ensure that no one falls prey to the wild animals in the Park. River Nile is full of predators so no swimming is allowed in the river so be very careful not to fall into the water during the boat rides. 

At night, all tourists are implored not to walk in the dark alone because you can land in the hands carnivores or other wild animals that may hurt you. 

Ensure children are always under the supervision of a responsible adult so that they do not wonder into the wilderness or get lost.

All Uganda National Parks are safe because they are protected areas under constant supervision.

Do I Need a Birding Guide in Murchison Falls National Park?

Yes, having a knowledgeable and experienced birding guide helps you to cover the best spots for these birds. Most birds are not located in one spot or two but several known to majority of the Uganda birding guides. This saves you from wasting time searching for birds in this vast forest.

During the peak season that is June to September and December to February, demand for guides is high yet which makes it quite expensive for last minute bookings. It is best to secure the birding guide for your Uganda birding safari to Murchison Falls National Park in advance for better preparations and achieve a lot at the end of the safari.

Is birding in Murchison Falls National Park difficult?

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park sometimes is challenging especially if you have to walk in the forested spots of the park. You need to have the right safari gear in order to walk in this jungle. 

During the severe rainy seasons, the tracks of Murchison Falls National Park are quite challenging to drive through so you need atleast a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle. Even when you hire a boat to sail on River Nile, some birding spots are quite challenging for the boat to sail through.

You cannot get out of the vehicle in case you wish to capture any bird during the game safari because of the danger of encountering carnivores in this Park.

How To Get To Murchison Falls National Park?

By Road 

From Kampala, Murchison Falls National Park is about 5 hours drive and distance of about 305 kilometers from Kampala. To get to Paraa it is 85 kilometers from Masindi town. Can also use via Budongo forest about 135 kilometers while enjoying great views across Lake Albert from the rift valley escarpment above Butiaba.

Ferry crossing on River Nile to and from Paraa operates hourly except at 1300 hours. Ferry crossing starts at 0700 hours and stops at 1900 hours each day.

By Air

Murchison Falls National Park can also be reached by air on the daily domestic flights. You are required to book your seat in advance and arrive in time for check in. These daily domestic flights can be booked at Entebbe Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba or Bugungu Airstrips.

Charter flight services are also available at Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip but advance planning is required. Arrange for vehicle transfer to your lodge from the airstrip.

What to Pack for Murchison Falls National Park Birding Safari?

• A pair of binoculars to spot far ranging birds during birding safari
• Camera to take photos and keep memories of this birding holiday in Uganda.
• Safari hat with a large foldable brim to protect your head from buzzing insects.
• Sun glasses to protect your eyes from the string sunrays.
• Sunscreen to cover your body from Ultra Violet rays carry then one that is most comfortable on your skin in case it is sensitive.
• Backpack or rack sack to keep in your belongings as time of returning from the birding adventure may be quite hard to determine 
• Some hard cash for on ground purchases because credit cards are quite challenging to use in Africa.
• A torch for lighting while at night
• Flip flops to change into after a long day
•  Extra clothes to change into after a long day of activities
• Warm wear because it gets so sold very early morning and afternoon
• Beach wear to use for swimming in the pool of the lodge in case your lodge has one. 
• Pair of stockings to wear in your shoes and protect your feet from rough surfaces
• Safari shoes like canvas to protect your feet from getting hurting 
• A pair of binoculars to capture closer visibility of far ranging features.
• Some snacks to munch, as breakfast is taken too early to last the entire day
• Extra batteries fully charged in case one runs low of power.
• Charger and travel adapter in case you need to recharge 
• Raincoat in case it falls as it may fall the entire day while in the wilderness
• First aid kit for any emergency while on this African safari

Spotting the shoebill stork is quite an adventure. Contact our team for more information about the best time to spot the shoebill stork in Murchison Falls National Park.