Bird watching in Mgahinga National Park is a great deal for travelers on Uganda birding tours with an interest in spotting Albertine Rift Endemic bird species as well as other montane forest birds in addition to mountain gorilla trekking expeditions.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park bird checklist is a round 180 bird species with about 14 Albertine endemic bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome francolin, & Kivu ground thrush. Most Uganda bird watching safaris in Mgahinga Park mostly take place along the Sabinyo Gorge Trail but travelers also explore the Buffalo Wall Trail & Bamboo Trail.

There are many bird species in Mgahinga however, most visitors are interested in spotting; Doherty’s bush-shrike, Strange weaver, Western green tinkerbird, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Paradise flycatcher, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow mountain warbler, African hill babbler, etc.

Numerous visitors who come for Mgahinga Park birding tours also do mountain gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking adventures. Volcano hiking is also possible since Mgahinga Gorilla Park holds three volcanoes of the Virunga ranges.

For travelers with time on Uganda safari tours, it’s possible to complement Uganda birding safaris in Mgahinga with bird watching tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Visit Mgahinga National Park during the dry season for a rewarding birding experience when rainfall is minimal in the Virunga Mountains.

Mgahinga National Park Bird Watching Trails

There are specific areas for birding in Mgahinga National Park and below we are going to look at them and find out also the common bird species to spot there.

Sabinyo Gorge Trail

Sabinyo George trail is the main trail for birders on Uganda bird watching tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This 14km scenic trail is between Mount Sabinyo & Mount Gahinga.

During Mgahinga Park bird watching safaris along Sabinyo Gorge, visitors are likely to encounter;  Regal sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Dusky turtle Dove, Rwenzori Batis, Streaky Seedeater, Blue-headed Sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, Cape Robin-chat, Black-headed Waxbill, Double-collared sunbird, Pin-tailed whydah, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Blue-headed coucal,  Speckled mouse bird, Paradise Flycatcher, Olive pigeon, and Olive thrush, among other bird species.

The Sabinyo Gorge trail is one of the longest nature walks in Mgahinga Park and during this hike, it’s possible to spot some game animals in Mgahinga NP. If lucky, you can spot forest elephants, bushbucks, forest buffalos, spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, as well as wild golden monkeys.

 The Bamboo Trail

The Bamboo trail is after the montane forest and this region is famous for the Rwenzori Turaco. This region is at the level ground of Uganda and DR Congo.

Notable bird species of Mgahinga Park to encounter along the Bamboo Trail include; the Rwenzori nightjar, Red-faced Woodland Warbler,  Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson wing, Grey-Capped Warbler, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Kivu ground-thrush, Rwenzori batis, etc.

Other Trails for Bird Watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• The Border Trail
• Buffalo Wall Trail

The Common Bird Species in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda

What kind of birds are in Mgahinga National Park? Out of the 180 recorded bird species in Mgahinga, these are the notable birds to spot during your Uganda birding safari in Mgahinga Park;

When Is the Best Time for Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park?

Just like other Uganda safari destinations, Mgahinga National Park is open to visitors all year round. However, travelers should note that dry months offer the best experience for Uganda birding tours because there will be minimal rainfall interference.

Mgahinga’s dry months run from December to February and June to early September whereas March to May & October to November are wet months in Mgahinga Park.

Usually, in dry months, temperatures and weather are pleasant in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for all outdoor activities including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and bird watching expeditions.

The climate and weather of Mgahinga National Park are similar to that of other national parks in Virunga Mountains including Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. It’s also similar to that of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

If you intend to see migratory bird species in Uganda, undertake Uganda birding safari tours in November-April.

What is the Cost for Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

The cost of bird watching in Mgahinga National Park is fixed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These fees include even the park entrance fees and are charged according to the nationality of a traveler.

Fees for birding watching in Mgahinga Park;

• Foreign Non-Resident Visitors Pay; US$40
• Foreign Resident Visitors Pay; US$3
• East African Citizens Pay; 30,000 UGX.

Packing List for Bird Watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Tourists coming for Uganda bird watching safaris in Mgahinga National Park should have the following items for a wonderful experience. Most items can be used even on other wildlife safari adventures in Uganda including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and even mountain hiking expeditions.

Uganda Safari Packing List for Birding in Mgahinga Park

1. Safari walking boots; these shoes must be comfortable and light! They help to protect your feet from any piercing objects as you are in the wilderness.
2. Safari clothes for birding; ensure you pack free and comfortable long-sleeved shirts and trousers. We suggest you get those in khaki, grey, and brown- these blend well in the environment. Clothes that cover your body will protect you from scratches in the jungle.
3. Nice camera; all travelers on Uganda bird watching tours must have a camera for a remarkable experience. Also, make sure that your camera has enough storage space.
4. Rain jacket; since bird watching is an outdoor activity, you must come with a rain jacket with you in case rain finds you while still in the jungle.
5. Simple first aid kit; this should include basic first aid equipment, for instance, an adhesive bandage & painkillers.
6. Binoculars; is of help while viewing birds in tree canopies as well as those that might be in far distances.
7. A wide sunhat; there is no shelter in the jungle therefore, the sunhat will shield you from the direct heat from sunlight.
8. A note book; this is where you’ll note all relevant info about the wildlife species you will come across including birds.
9. Sunglasses; sometimes the sunlight can be too much, these will protect your eyes from the direct sun rays.
10. Insect repellant; this will keep insects away, for instance, mosquitoes from biting you.
11. Bottled water; while bird watching in Mgahinga Park, come with bottled water to keep yourself hydrated all the time.
12. Energy giving snacks; normally, bird watching expeditions take half or a whole day. So, come with some snacks or a packed lunch as you come for this thrill. You’ll not find shops in the jungle!
13. A birding guide book
14. Warm jumper

Guidelines to Follow While Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park

In order to have a memorable bird experience in Uganda Mgahinga Park, you should do the following;

• Hire an experienced birding guide; Local guides are very helpful because they know where to find and spot different bird species. They also know a lot about the park’s geography and can show you the best places to watch birds.
• Pack right; Pack a good pair of binoculars, a birding guidebook, and a camera with a long lens.
• Avoid littering the park; always remain with your rubbish till you get out of the jungle.
• Don’t be tempted to leave the birding trail
• Wear comfortable and environmentally friendly clothes
• Visitors must follow all the guidelines from the ranger
• Always try to maintain silence while you’re in the jungle. This gives you room to see more birds.

Other Amazing Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Usually, our clients on Uganda safari tours interested in Mgahinga bird watching expeditions also undertake other activities within this park. Among these include; golden monkey trekking, and even mountain gorilla trekking.

Detail of other tourist activities in Mgahinga National Park apart from bird watching;

• Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking is the main safari activity in Uganda’s Mgahinga Park.

In most cases, travelers birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park track mountain gorillas on the last day of their trip. The gorilla trekking experience starts at 8 am with a briefing at the park headquarters before visitors undertake a real adventure to search for these gentle giant apes.

The behaviors of Mountain gorillas are just similar to those of humans and science proves that these cool giant apes hold over 98% of DNA similar to that of man.

Along the gorilla trek, you should expect to encounter amazing wildlife species including colorful birds. You’re only allowed to spend one hour with Mountain gorillas.

There is only one gorilla family in Mgahinga Park for tracking. So, book your gorilla tracking permit as early as possible.  It costs US$800 per person to track these beautiful gentle giants.

• Golden Monkey Trekking

Among Uganda safari parks, golden monkey trekking is only done in Mgahinga National Park within the Virunga Mountains.  Tracking golden monkeys is an amazing primate-watching adventure taking around 4-5. In comparison with mountain gorilla trekking expeditions, golden monkey tracking is easier.

Often, visitors spot these colorful primates within the bamboo forest. golden monkey tracking permit costs USD$60.

• Volcano Hiking in Mgahinga Park

Mgahinga National Park offers one of the best mountain hiking expeditions in Uganda. On your visit, you can choose to hike Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhabura the highest. Climbing volcanoes in Mgahinga Park doesn’t require a previous hiking experience but, you should raise your body fitness level before your climb.

Along the hiking trail, lucky visitors normally encounter amazing wildlife species for instance, forest buffalos, bushbucks, forest hogs, spotted hyenas, and forest hogs. Regardless of the volcano you hike, you’ll enjoy views of the Virunga ranges and charming views of the lava-dammed lakes in Kisoro District.

Volcano climbing in Mgahinga Park costs USD$100.

• Guided Nature Walks

There are numerous options for guided nature walks in Mgahinga Park however, most tourists can miss a guided hike to the viewing platform of the park. This is the easiest hike in Mgahinga.

On reaching the viewing platform, you’ll be in a position to view 90% of the park’s area. The views are breathtaking!

A guided walk to the Mgahinga viewing platform costs USD$10.

• Batwa Cultural Experience

Batwa cultural experience is one of the unique and best cultural encounters for tourists on Uganda safaris. This cultural experience in Mgahinga Park is done along the Batwa Trail which takes you to the Ngarama Cave, a former home for Batwa before they were evicted out of the park.

During this cultural adventure, Batwa– (the Pygmies) will demonstrate; amazing hunting skills, make fire, and finally perform a cultural dance, to mention but a few.

Accommodation in Mgahinga National Park- Where to Stay While Bird Watching in Mgahinga National Park?

During your Uganda birding trip in Mgahinga National Park, you can stay at several places, ranging from moderately priced to luxury facilities.

The best accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for tourists on bird watching expeditions;

1. Mount Gahinga Lodge
2. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
3. Kisoro Tourist Hotel
4. Lake Chahafi Resort
5. Mucha Hotel Kisoro
6. Lake Mulehe Lodge
7. Gorilla Heights Lodge
8. Travellers Rest Hotel

In summary, regardless of the small size of this park, bird watching in Mgahinga National Park offers a notable birding experience in Uganda. Mgahinga is one of the best national parks in Uganda to spot Albertine Rift bird species as well as montane forest bird species. On your Mgahinga tour, you can also enjoy golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing, and even mountain gorilla trekking expeditions, etc.

Contact our dedicated team with any inquiries about Uganda birding safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.