Wildlife and Birds in Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda
Murchison Falls is home to over 70 species of mammals, including four of the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes – with rhinos currently only found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The open savannahs and acacia woodlands support thriving populations of:
African Elephants – With over 1,200 individuals, Murchison boasts one of the healthiest elephant populations in Uganda.
African Buffaloes – Herds of more than 2,400 roam freely across the plains.
Rothschild’s Giraffes – The park is a stronghold for this endangered species, hosting over 600 individuals – nearly 75% of the world’s population.
Lions – Regularly spotted in the northern sector, with nearly 400 individuals recorded.
Leopards – Often seen during early morning or nighttime game drives, particularly in forested areas.
Other commonly sighted species include the Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, bushbucks, warthogs, oribis, waterbucks, and patas monkeys. Along the banks of the Nile, crocodiles and hippos are abundant and easily observed on boat safaris.
Primate Encounters
Murchison Falls is not just about big game. The southern Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests offer excellent primate tracking. These tropical forests are home to around 800 chimpanzees, as well as:
Olive baboons
Red-tailed monkeys
Blue monkeys
Black-and-white colobus monkeys
Chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest is one of the park’s hidden gems, attracting primate enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Birding in Uganda: A Birder’s Paradise
With over 451 recorded bird species, Murchison Falls National Park is a premier destination for birding in Uganda. The park’s diverse habitats—ranging from swamps, riverbanks, grasslands, to forests—support a wide range of birdlife.
Top Birding Highlights:
Shoebill Stork – One of Uganda’s most sought-after bird species, best spotted at the Nile-Lake Albert Delta.
Goliath Heron – The world’s largest heron.
Grey Crowned Crane – Uganda’s elegant national bird.
Denham’s Bustard, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, and Secretary Bird – Seen in the grassy plains.
Red-throated Bee-eater – Nesting along riverbanks in colonies.
Kingfishers – Pied, Giant, Malachite and Woodland species are common.
Papyrus specialists – Including the Papyrus Gonolek and Swamp Flycatcher.
The Nile River is a hotspot for waterbirds, including African Jacanas, Squacco Herons, Sandpipers, and the majestic African Fish Eagle. For avid birders, the park’s varied ecosystems promise rewarding checklists and memorable sightings.
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Unmatched diversity of wildlife in a single park
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High chances of seeing the Big Five (excluding rhino)
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Birding opportunities in savannah, forest, and wetland habitats
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Year-round accessibility and guided tours
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Boat safaris and game drives offer varied wildlife viewing perspectives
Plan your Uganda wildlife safari today and experience the raw, untamed beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. Whether you’re a nature photographer, a birder, or a first-time traveler, this park will leave you breathless.
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