The long drive from Entebbe to Murchinson Falls NP on December 1st was enjoyable, as we practiced our collective birding skills spotting and identifying roadside birds. We arrived at Kuchumbanyambo Gate at dusk and were greeted by calling Fiery-necked Nightjars by the gate.
We stayed at the wonderful Sambiya River Lodge. This was the view from my room:
Lots of wildlife inside the lodge, including Warthogs
As always, it was challenging to leave the lodge and head out to the park with so many birds in the carpark.
Our first morning in the park itself (December 2nd) was stunning. Being surrounded by so many mammals and birds, in beautiful habitat, made the safari experience very special. Cool birds seen during the first few hours included:
The delicate Vinaceous Dove
Crazy Blue Malkoha
And the stately Gray Kestrel
Mammals were plentiful, with large herds of Ugandan Kob, Rothchild's Giraffe, and several other ungulates.
Hartebeest
Oribi
1,2,3,4 Rothchild's Giraffes
Interestingly, many of the giraffes had white faces and necks. I don't have a good explanation for this.
My personal highlight in Murchinson Falls NP was the boat trip on the Nile. We did the comprehensive trip, and it was incredible. If you visit Murchinson Falls, don't miss this boat trip. Fantastic birds (eBird checklist
here) and wildlife, super photo opps, and unique vistas.
Seeing the riparian habitat from the water was very special
Made even more special with different eyes focused on us...
Nile Crocodile
Nile Hippopotamus
Mantled Guereza
Out of the sky dropped a flock of 140 Abdim's Storks onto a nice sandbar.
A small group of six African Skimmers graced that same sandbar. Amazing birds with an incredible bill.
Several Giant Kingfishers were seen very well - excellent stuff.
Male
Female
We sailed past a breeding colony of Red-throated Bee-eaters - total gems:
An old colony
We sailed up the river as close to the falls as possible. Such a mighty experience.
Not far from the falls we found a lovely flock of 22 Rock Pratincoles. I almost started crying. Beautiful, dream birds.
The bloody camera didn't focus
African Darter
Most of December 3rd was spent safari-driving and birding in the park. So many birds were seen. I like birds that have 'Abyssinian Roller' in their name.
Abyssinian Roller
We visited the top of Murchinson Falls which was impressive.
There were several Rock Pratincoles up there too. In this video, the mighty roaring power of the water can be appreciated (volume on):
Back in safari mode, Piapiac is a curious magpie relative. It was quite abundant in the park, often seen associating with herds of mammals.
Patas Monkey - very sweet
Beaudouin's Snake-Eagle with its meal still sticking out of its bill
We had lunch at Pakuba Lodge that was exploding with birds (eBird checklist
here), despite the midday heat.
Shelley's Rufous Sparrow
Poor photo of a great bird - Swallow-tailed Bee-eater
This Marabou came in for a chlorinated drink in the swimming pool:
Our FAM tour crew - Julie, Luis and Marabou
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