Is it Safe to do Birding in Murchison Falls Park
Is it Safe to do Birding in Murchison Falls Park? Birding is among the most fascinating pursuits that may be safely engaged in with appropriate safety precautions. Situated in the northwest of the country is Murchison Falls National Park, which is the oldest and biggest national park in Uganda. The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Kingfisher Hornbill, and the threatened Shoebill Stork are just a few of the more than 451 bird species that call the national park home. Along the park’s pathways, you may come across a variety of animal species while bird watching, such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and buffaloes. Elephants, lions, and leopards are all possible sightings.
According to park laws, a safe distance must be kept when engaging in guided tour activities like birding, nature walks, trekking, and other activities. The stunning views of Murchison Falls offer a stunning backdrop for their observations. Birding at Murchison Falls Park is a safe and rewarding experience that enables you to see amazing bird species and establish a connection with nature, thanks to responsible tourism practices and the knowledge of local guides. Therefore, Murchison Falls National Park is guaranteed because of the following safety measures:
Reasons why Murchison Falls National Park is a safe haven for Birding
Uganda’s Stability concerning security
Currently, Uganda is one of those countries in East Africa that is politically stable and has enough security to enforce law and order as well as peace and stability in the whole country. This cuts across all sectors, including the tourism sector, where Murchison Falls National Park has enough security personnel. This involves dedicated rangers with constant patrols, which aim at ensuring visitors safety, especially birdwatchers, hence making it safe to do birding in Murchison Falls Park.
Equipment for Birding
Birdwatchers are always advised to pack the necessary essentials that are worthy of birdwatching, such as hiking shoes (boots), binoculars, a telescope, long-sleeved pants and pairs of trousers, a brimmed hat, extra batteries, water-proof jackets, and others. These essentials provide the primary safety in order to avoid body harm while in the field, as it is clearly stated that safety starts with you.
Guided tours in Murchison Falls Park
During birdwatching, all birding activities are strictly supervised by competent birding guides, with the supervision of armed rangers who are well versed in the premises. These enforcers always emphasise that visitors stay on designated trails in order to avoid off-tracking, which may at times become dangerous to the clients’ health and security.
Health and safety measures
Uganda, like any other country, strictly emphasises that all travellers must have all the necessary requirements, including the health documents for vaccinations, before travelling to any country, including Uganda. All tourists travelling to Uganda must meet the necessary health safety measures, such as a certificate for yellow fever and previously obtained COVID immunisation cards, repellents, and sun screen gear, among others. This means, health-wise, that travellers in Murchison Falls National Park are assured of their safety.
The popular trails
Concerning visual communication within the park premises, the trails are vividly designed to meet visitors’ interests. The boldness, simplicity and clear symbols on sign posts within the park are essential in showing direction to different designated areas in order to minimise cases of getting lost. This is also one of the marketing strategies of the park that enables travellers to locate their desired destinations.
Low risks of wildlife attacks
Besides birding being one of the prominent activities in Murchison Falls Park, the park harbours several mammals, especially aggressive animal species such as lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Elephants and Hippos, whose attacks on humans are very rare. This is attributed to the guidelines and safety measures of keeping a distance of 7 metres from the animal, as emphasised by rangers and tour guides.
Accommodation Facilities
Lodges and hotels for tourists always emphasise strict security measures through constant checks right from check-in to check-out. They always work as a team within the premises in their uniforms labelled with logos, together with security personnel, to maintain peace and stability in the lodges. This builds trust and confidence within the client, and you can be assured that they will feel that they are in good hands.
Strict Supervision at the gate
The park is always guarded by armed security officers and ranger guides. This task force is also responsible for carrying out vehicle check ups at the entrance of all the gates entering the park. This intends to avoid unnecessary illegalities such as dangerous weapons like machetes, swords, guns, poison, and arrows, among others, that may cause harm to both wildlife and humans, especially travellers, hence the safety of the park.
Best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park for birding
Birdwatching in Murchison Falls National Park is carried out throughout the year, but the best times to see migratory and colourful bird species are in January through March, November, and April, which is the dry low season.
Although there is less or no rainfall in the park during the dry season, which runs from June to September, birdwatching is still possible at Murchison Falls National Park. This is because the park’s trails are dry and easily accessible, making birdwatching quite simple.