Birding In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Birding In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park : Mgahinga National Park is the smallest Park in Uganda, but what it offers is beyond what anyone can imagine. Gazzeted in 1991, Mgahinga national Park covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers and is located in the South-western corner of Uganda in Kisoro district, straddling the borders of Virunga National park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. Mgahinga National park is Part of the Virunga Conservation Area (that comprises of Volcanoes National park and Virunga National park too) and is a home to three mountains that form the great Virunga Massif. These Mountains include Mount Sabinyo (standing at 3645 meters), mount Gahinga at 3475 meters and Mount Muhabura at 4127 meters. What many people know about this park is mountain gorilla trekking and the popular Batwa trail, but does anyone know that it is one of the most fascinating bird watching destinations in Uganda.

Birding watching is an important activity where guests come and in addition to gorilla trekking in Mgahinga, they go ahead and watch the various bird species that are found within the jungle. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is gifted with various species of birds and over 100 species of birds are recorded in Mgahinga forest.  This implies that you can spend the whole day solely birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Some of the bird species found in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are endemic to the Congo origin which gives visitors good information and identification of these wonderful bird species. Bird watching is done under the instruction of the park management and you will need to have a good guide usually the Uganda wildlife ranger who will take you to the jungle and helps you to identify some of the bird species.

Key bird species in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Among the highlights for birders visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the chance to see some of the rarest and most sought-after species in East Africa. The park is home to a wealth of endemic, migratory, and resident birds, making it an ideal destination for both novice birders and experienced ornithologists.

The Golden-winged Sunbird

This small, iridescent sunbird is one of the park’s key attractions for birders. The Golden-winged Sunbird is a high-altitude species that thrives in the park’s bamboo zones. Its vibrant plumage, with bright golden-yellow wings and a shimmering green body, is a true spectacle. It is one of the few birds that are found exclusively in the Albertine Rift, and Mgahinga is one of the best places to observe it in the wild.

The Mountain Gorilla and the Grey Crowned Crane

Mgahinga’s rich ecosystem supports various bird species that are found at altitudes of 2,000 meters or higher. The Grey Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird, is one of the park’s most iconic species. Known for its striking golden crown and elegant stature, this crane is often found in the park’s open meadows. Birders will also enjoy sightings of the beautiful Black-headed Waxbill, which flutters among the tall grasses and shrubs.

The Rwenzori Turaco

The Rwenzori Turaco, a striking bird with vibrant green and blue plumage, is found only in the high-altitude forests of the Rwenzori Mountains and parts of Mgahinga. This large, exotic-looking bird is known for its distinctive calls and its occasional fleeting glimpses as it moves through the dense forest canopies. A sighting of the Rwenzori Turaco is considered one of the highlights of any birding trip to Mgahinga.

The African Hill Babbler

Endemic to the Albertine Rift, the African Hill Babbler is often spotted in the park’s forested areas, where it flits through the undergrowth. Though shy and elusive, this bird’s distinctive call, which resonates throughout the forest, provides an audio guide to its location. Its varied diet, which includes insects and fruit, makes it a favorite among birdwatchers eager to catch a glimpse of its unique features.

The Blue-headed Coucal

The Blue-headed Coucal, known for its vibrant blue head and striking white underparts, is an important species in the park’s birding community. This elusive bird is a specialist of the bamboo forests and is often seen perching on tree branches or taking short flights between trees. It is a true testament to the biodiversity found in Mgahinga’s varied ecosystems.

The Handsome Francolin

The Handsome Francolin, another endemic species to the Albertine Rift, is a large, ground-dwelling bird. It is found in the park’s bamboo and montane forests. While it’s terrestrial nature means it is often difficult to spot, birders will appreciate the thrill of locating this elusive species.

Some of birding trails in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Gorge trail

The Gorge trail between Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo and offers beautiful sighting of the Regal Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Blue-headed Sunbird, Kivu-ground Thrush, Black-headed Waxbill, Dusky turtle Dove, Rwenzori Batis, Cape Robin-chat, Olive Thrush and Streaky Seedeater among others.

The gahinga trail

Exploring Mgahinga’s high-altitude zones, which are home to some of the park’s rarest bird species, is made possible by the Gahinga Trail. Birdwatchers will love seeing species like the Handsome Francolin and other forest-dwelling species, and the vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys are breathtaking.

Ntebeko trail

Another well-loved birding route is the Ntebeko Trail. Starting from the park’s headquarters, the Ntebeko Trail is a moderate hike that takes birdwatchers into the lush bamboo forests, where species like the African Hill Babbler, Blue-headed Coucal, and Grey Crowned Crane can be found. Along this route, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, which add to the overall experience.

Cost of birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National

The cost for birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 40 USD for foreign nonresidents, 30 USD for foreign residents and 30,000 UGX for East African Citizens

Best time for birding

The best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for birdwatching is during the dry seasons, which typically occur from December to February and from June to September. During these months, bird activity is heightened, and the trails are more accessible, making birdwatching more enjoyable. However, the park’s elevation and diverse ecosystems mean that it can be visited year-round, with different species being more active at different times of the year.

Conclusion

Regardless of its small size, Mgahinga National park is one of the prefect bird watching destinations in Uganda where you will get to see at least 50 of the 115 bird species harbored in this park. The small size of the Park is also to its advantage because you will see numerous beautiful attractions within a small rage without moving far. For a memorable bird watching experience, visit this Park and you will live to cherish its beauty.