Paraa Safari Lodge

A variety of unique habitats and lots of superb birds make a visit to Murchinson Falls National Park a must for every birder. An impressive 450 species have been recorded in a national park that stretches over 3840km Square in size. The birding experience here is greatly enhanced by the abundant wildlife and scenic landscape; not least the spectacular falls for which the park is named. Once famous for its immense herds of big game, Ugandaís largest national park suffered greatly at the hands of poachers and hungry soldiers during the late 1970ís and 1980ís and is still in the process of recovery.

However, the vegetation has benefited greatly from reduced grazing pressure and populations of small mammals and birds are healthier than ever. Extensive game-viewing tracks north of the Nile allow access to a variety of scenic savanna habitats and to the wetlands along the delta of the Victoria Nile. Allow at least a full day to do this bird-rich justice.

Paraa Safari Lodge is set in dry woodland, and is an excellent area to look for Shikra, Grey Headed Kingfisher; Red throated Bee-Eater and Bar-breasted Firefinch. The bizarre Shoebill is regularly seen on the large papyrus island close to the falls, although it is usually present only when water levels are low. If your visit coincides with periods of high water and Shoebill is a priority, you would be better off taking a launch trip downstream to the delta. Bare, rocky islets at the foot of the impressive Murchinson Falls are favoured perches and breeding sites of Rock Pratincole.

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