Birdwatching in Mgahinga National Park. Tucked away in Uganda’s southwestern corner, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and endangered mountain gorillas. But beyond the dense bamboo forests and mist-covered peaks lies a birder’s paradise—one of Uganda’s best-kept secrets for birdwatching. With over 180 recorded bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics, Mgahinga offers an intimate and rewarding birding experience far from the crowds.

A Rich and Diverse Habitat

Mgahinga covers just 33.7 square kilometers, making it Uganda’s smallest national park. Yet its compact size is no limitation when it comes to biodiversity. Situated at the meeting point of tropical forest, bamboo zones, and Afro-alpine vegetation, the park’s varied ecosystems create a haven for a wide array of bird species.

Elevations range from 2,200 to 4,127 meters, and as you move through the different zones—from the montane forest at the base to the alpine meadows near the volcano summits—you encounter distinct bird populations unique to each altitude.

Birds Found in Mgahinga National Park

🟢 Albertine Rift Endemics (rare and region-specific species):

These are high-priority species for birdwatchers visiting Mgahinga:

1. Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni)

2. Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)

3. Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)

4. Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus)

5. Archer’s Robin-chat (Cossypha archeri)

6. Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops)

7. Kivu Ground Thrush (Geokichla piaggiae tanganicae)

8. Stripe-breasted Tit (Melaniparus fasciiventer)

9. Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)

10. Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae)

11. Collared Apalis (Oreolais ruwenzorii)

12. Lagden’s Bush-shrike (Malaconotus lagdeni)

🟡 Other Notable Birds in Mgahinga:

• Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix)

• Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

• Western Green Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus coryphaea)

• White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata)

• Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)

• African Hill Babbler (Pseudoalcippe abyssinica)

• Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra)

• African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)

• Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis)

• White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda)

• Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)

• Thick-billed Seedeater (Crithagra burtoni)

• Streaky Seedeater (Crithagra striolata)

🐦 Migratory Birds (seasonal visitors):

Some migratory species also appear during certain months, particularly in wetter seasons.

• Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

• European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

• Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus)

Where to Go Birding in the Park

Birdwatching in Mgahinga is best done on foot, with guided nature walks providing access to key habitats. The park has several well-maintained trails that cut through forest and bamboo zones, where most bird activity is concentrated.

• The Gorge Trail: This popular trail runs between Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabinyo, passing through bamboo forest and montane woodlands. It’s particularly good for spotting sunbirds, waxbills, and turacos.

• The Sabinyo Gorge Trail: A bit more demanding, this trail takes you deeper into the park and is ideal for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the more elusive Albertine Rift endemics.

Guided walks are led by knowledgeable park rangers who are skilled at identifying birds by both sight and sound. Early morning walks are especially productive, as this is when bird activity peaks.

Can i combine Gorilla Trekking and Birding in Mgahinga National Park?

Yes, you can absolutely combine gorilla trekking and birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience this biodiverse gem. Mgahinga, located in southwestern Uganda, offers a rare opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in the morning and spend the rest of your day exploring its rich birdlife.

Start your day with an early gorilla trek, where you’ll hike through bamboo and montane forests to observe the Nyakagezi gorilla family—a habituated group known for its stability and accessibility. After this once-in-a-lifetime encounter, return to the park for a relaxed and scenic birding walk.

Mgahinga is part of the Albertine Rift and hosts over 180 bird species, including sought-after endemics like the Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Kivu Ground Thrush. Trails like the Gorge Trail and Bamboo Trail are ideal for birdwatchers, offering chances to see birds amid dramatic landscapes and volcanic backdrops.

Best Time to Visit

Birding in Mgahinga is excellent year-round, but the dry seasons—from June to August and December to February—are generally more favorable. During these periods, trails are easier to navigate, and bird activity is high. The wet seasons (March–May and September–November) bring migratory species and increased breeding behavior, but muddy trails may pose a challenge.

Tips for Birding in Mgahinga

• Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to capture birds in the dense foliage.

• Hire a local birding guide—their knowledge of bird calls and habits greatly enhances the experience.

• Wear neutral-colored clothing and comfortable hiking boots, as some birding involves moderate treks.

• Be patient and quiet—some of the best sightings come when you least expect them.

More Than Just Birds

While birdwatching is a major draw, visitors to Mgahinga often combine it with other activities such as golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, or even gorilla trekking for a truly rounded safari experience. The park’s tranquility, scenic beauty, and unique biodiversity make it a destination where every nature lover can feel at home.

Common Activities in Mgahinga

The park’s most iconic activity is mountain gorilla trekking, where visitors hike through the forest to encounter a habituated family of endangered gorillas—a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience.

In addition to gorillas, Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where visitors can go golden monkey tracking, following these lively, brightly-colored primates through bamboo thickets. For hikers, the park offers challenging climbs to three extinct volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo, each providing stunning views and unique flora and fauna.

Birdwatchers will find Mgahinga a rewarding destination, with over 180 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Guided nature walks and forest hikes offer chances to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems while spotting birds, small mammals, and beautiful plants.

Cultural enthusiasts can engage with the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers, to learn about their traditional lifestyles through interactive village visits and forest walks.