Shoebill Stork Spotting in Murchison Falls National Park

The Shoebill stork is a unique bird found in wetlands around Murchison Falls National Park. Bird enthusiasts love seeing this rare species in Uganda. This majestic bird stands tall with a large bill that resembles a shoe, giving it its name.

For Shoebill Stork Spotting in Murchison Falls National Parks, visitors can take a boat ride along the Nile River or explore the park’s swamps. Morning hours are the best time because the birds are most active then. Guides help visitors locate them while explaining their habits and environment.

While searching for the Shoebill, you will enjoy other wildlife. Hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds are common along the riverbanks. This makes the adventure exciting and diverse.

Remember to carry binoculars and a camera to capture the Shoebill. You will want to preserve the memories of this incredible bird.

Other Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

Game Drives

Combine birding with a game drive to create an unforgettable experience. The game drives, especially on the Buligi trail, are rewarding. Here, you may spot lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeest, and warthogs. Morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times since animals are more active.

Launch Trip to Murchison Falls

A boat ride to Murchison Falls is another highlight. During this trip, you can spot birds, hippos, crocodiles, and animals like elephants and buffaloes by the riverbanks. As the boat approaches the falls, you will feel the water’s power and turbulence.

When you reach the falls, you will hear the roaring sound and see the River Nile squeezing through a narrow six-meter gap. On sunny days, you may spot a rainbow over the cascading 41-meter-high waterfall. This round trip, lasting about three hours, offers breathtaking views.

Hiking to the Top of Murchison Falls

If you enjoy hiking, visit the top of Murchison Falls. Here, you can witness the Nile’s dramatic journey before it bursts through the narrow gorge. The river tumbles over rocks for 80 kilometers before forming the powerful falls. This hike provides incredible views and is a great way to experience the falls up close.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi

Chimpanzee trekking in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is an exciting adventure just 8 kilometers from Kichumbanyobo Gate. Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans, making the experience fascinating. Treks happen twice daily—morning and afternoon sessions.

Before trekking, visitors attend a briefing to learn the guidelines. Along with chimpanzees, you may spot other primates like olive baboons, black-and-white colobus, and blue monkeys. The forest also shelters a variety of birds and old mahogany trees.

Sport Fishing

Anglers visiting Murchison Falls National Park can enjoy sport fishing along the Nile. To fish, you must arrange in advance and get permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The activity involves catching and releasing fish species like Nile perch, catfish, lungfish, and tilapia. You should bring your fishing gear and hire a boat and guide for a better experience.

Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

While Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is not inside the park, it is along the way. This sanctuary plays a vital role in reintroducing rhinos to Uganda. In the past, rhinos were wiped out due to poaching and civil wars. At Ziwa, rhinos are thriving, and new calves have been born in recent years. A visit here supports conservation efforts and provides a chance to see rhinos in their natural habitat.

Getting to Murchison Falls National Park

By Road

The park is about 305 kilometers from Kampala, which takes about five hours by car. From Masindi town, Paraa is 85 kilometers away. You can also travel via Budongo Forest, covering about 135 kilometers, and enjoy views of Lake Albert from the Rift Valley escarpment.

A ferry crosses the Nile hourly between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, except at 1:00 PM. This service is essential for accessing key areas of the park.

By Air

You can also reach the park by air. Domestic flights operate daily from Entebbe Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Pakuba or Bugungu airstrips. Book your seat in advance and arrange for a vehicle to transfer you to your lodge. Charter flights are also available but require early planning.