Murchison Falls Birding Tour

With 3,840km Sq. of land, Murchison Falls National Park boasts of an extensive avifauna with about 450 bird species. Due to its size and a range of habitats the park hosts eight globally threatened species of birds with the shoebill being the most important tourist attraction in the park. Its overall diversity is reflected in having 14 of the 22 Sudan and Guinea species, 7 of the 12 Lake Victoria species, 11 of 144 Guinea Congo Forest species, 6 of the 87 Afro tropical Highland species and 3 of 32 Somali-Masai biome species.

Some of the rare bird species which you may see include the Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Ground Hornbill, Pied Kingfishers, Red Throated Bee eaters, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed stork, Sacred Ibis, Fulvous Whistling duck, Black-headed and Long-toed Lapwing. Other interesting birds include, the Little Bittern, Red-necked falcon, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Vinaceous Dove and Grosbeak Weaver.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Birding in Entebbe and its environments

Our safari guide will pick you from your hotel and drive you to Entebbe. Early search for birds from Garuga and other areas around Lake Victoria-Africa’s largest lake! On the search look out for birds such as the Blue Monarch, Brown Twin Spots, Fain tailed Widow bird, Moustached Warbler, White headed Barbets, Black headed Gonolek, Striped Kingfisher, African Pied hornbill, Diederik’s Cuckoo, Black Bishop, among others. Have lunch at Entebbe town and then connect to Uganda Wildlife Education centre, a home to captive animals. The educational-intergenerational centre has got over 250 species of birds which include the rare shoebill stork, parrots, ostriches, and seven species of weavers, such as the rare Northern Masked Weaver and Orange Weaver, among others. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive northwards for Murchison Falls National Park passing through the famous Luweero Triangle. Have a stopover at Masindi town for lunch and then proceed to the Murchison Falls-Uganda’s most beautiful protected area boosting over 450 species of birds and wild game. Visit the magnificent Murchison falls-the most beautiful falls on the World’s second longest river. Apart from the spectacular scenery don’t forget to look for birds such as the African Pied Wagtail, swifts, Rock Pranticoles and other water birds. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp/ Paraa safari Lodge.

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park

After an early morning breakfast, embark on a morning game drive from the northern bank of the Nile. A number of Savanna woodland birds can be seen which include the Saddle billed Stork, Spotted Morning Thrush, Common Drongo, Grey Crowned Cranes, Silver bird, Chestnut Capped Weaver, Bruce’s Green Pigeon and Namaqua Dove. Apart from birds expect seeing a number of animals which include the Rothschild Giraffe, Jackson’s Hartebeest, elephant, antelopes and waterbucks among others. After lunch, proceed to Biblical Nile for a cruise. While on the cruise you may see different birds such as the Purple, Goliath, Green backed Herons, Giant, Malachite, Common Squacco Heron, African Pygmy and Pied Kingfishers among others. From the cruise you will see different wild animals from close for example schools of hippos and the threatened Nile crocodiles basking in the sun. Dinner and Overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp/Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 4: Murchison Falls NP– Fort Portal, Western Uganda

After breakfast, depart from Murchison Falls for Kibaale forest National Park. The eight hours drive will take you through the Western arm of the Great East African rift valley characterized with a number of birds identical to the Albertine rift. On the Drive keep a close watch for birds such as Turacos, White Browed and Senegal Coucals, among others. You will also see spectacular escarpments, small African villages and banana plantations belonging to the local people. Arrive in Fort Portal town which overlooks the fabled Rwenzori Mountains described by Ptolemy as the Mountains of the Moon. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge/Hotels in Fort portal town

Day 5: Birding through the Bigodi Swamp & Crater Lakes

After breakfast, drive to Bigodi swamp which is endowed with a great variety of birds. On the beautiful nature walk expect to see birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, Marsh Tchagra and White Winged Warblers. Proceed to the forest for a short walk where you will see different primates, tree species and forest birds. After lunch, visit the Crater Lakes region where you may see birds such as the White Spotted Fluff-tail, Scaly-throated Honey-guide, Blue Headed Coucals, Yellow Billed Barbet among others. Return to your Lodge/Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Kibale Forest – Kampala

After breakfast, depart leave the beautiful Fortportal town for Kampala. Have a stopover at Mubende for lunch and take a short visit to the Nakayima tree. Arrive in Kampala late afternoon.

END OF THE BIRDING TRIP TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK