Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a stunningly beautiful and biologically rich protected area located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. Nestled along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes the iconic Virunga Volcanoes. Covering approximately 33.9 square kilometers, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, but it packs a punch in terms of biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

Famous for its mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is one of the few places in the world where visitors can track these endangered primates in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other fascinating wildlife, including golden monkeys, forest elephants, and various species of birds and butterflies. With its breathtaking volcanic scenery, lush montane forests, and unique cultural heritage, Mgahinga is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to experience the untamed beauty of Uganda’s southwest.

Mgahinga offers a range of activities, from gorilla trekking and volcano hiking to bird watching and cultural tours with the local Batwa people. Whether you are interested in observing rare wildlife, exploring rugged terrain, or immersing yourself in the traditional customs of the region, Mgahinga National Park provides an unforgettable experience.

Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique and rewarding experience, thanks to its diverse habitats, including montane forests, bamboo, wetlands, and volcanic slopes. Located in the Albertine Rift, the park is home to over 184 bird species, many of which are endemic to the region, such as the Rwenzori Turaco and African Green Broadbill. The park’s varied ecosystems support both forest-dwelling and highland species, making it a hotspot for bird watching. Popular trails like the Ntebeko Trail and Bamboo Trail provide excellent opportunities to spot rare and migratory birds in a tranquil, less-crowded environment, offering a truly immersive birding experience.

Birding Trails and Destinations

The park offers various bird watching trails that take visitors through different ecosystems, each offering a unique birding experience. Popular trails include:

  • The Ntebeko Trail, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and takes visitors through rich forest habitats, perfect for spotting highland species like the Rwenzori Turaco and White-cheeked Turaco.
  • The Bamboo Trail, which winds through the dense bamboo forest of the park’s volcanic slopes, where birders can search for the Golden-winged Sunbird and other species that thrive in the bamboo habitat.
  • The Swamp Trails around the park’s wetlands, which are prime locations for spotting wetland species such as the Yellow-eyed Blackbird and the Grey Crowned Crane.

Bird Species in Mgahinga National Park

Notable bird species include Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Black Kite and Crowned Crane, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Turtle Dove, Alpine Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double-collared Sunbird.

Other bird species include; blue headed coucal, golden winged sunbird, mountain yellow warbler, African green broadbill, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher and Mackinnons’s Fiscal, Wing Snapping Cisticola, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Grassland Pipit, Yellow Crowned Canary, northern double collared sunbird, cape wagtail, white necked raven and more

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Apart from birding, Mgahinga offers a variety of activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts:

  1. Gorilla Trekking
    • Mgahinga is one of only a few places in the world where you can trek to see endangered mountain gorillas. There are fewer visitors here compared to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which means you can have a more intimate experience with these incredible creatures.
  2. Volcano Hiking
    • The park is part of the Virunga Mountains, which includes Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. Hiking these volcanoes is a popular activity. The hike to the summit offers spectacular views over Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
  3. Golden Monkey Tracking
    • Mgahinga is one of the few places where you can track golden monkeys, a species endemic to the Virunga region. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe these playful primates in their natural habitat.
  4. Cultural Experiences
    • The park is located near the Batwa pygmies, indigenous groups who once lived in the forest and now offer cultural tours. Visitors can learn about their traditional ways of life, including their hunting, gathering, and forest-based knowledge. These cultural tours offer a deep and immersive experience into the lives of the Batwa people.
  5. Nature Walks
    • There are several designated nature trails within the park that offer easy to moderate walks. These trails wind through forests and offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including various species of monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

Best Time for Birding and Visiting Mgahinga

The best time for birding in Mgahinga is during the dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September. During these months, the forest trails are more accessible, and the weather conditions are ideal for trekking and bird watching.

Accessibility

By Road

The park is about 540 km southwest of Kampala. The journey takes 8–10 hours by car, passing through Kabale and reaching Kisoro, which is about 12 km from the park entrance at Ntebeko.

By Air

You can fly to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport via charter flights. The airstrip is about 15 km from the park’s entrance, making it easy to reach the park by road from there.

Accommodation

  1. Gorilla View Lodge: A luxury lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering spacious cottages with views of the Virunga Volcanoes, ideal for gorilla trekkers and birdwatchers.
  2. Mgahinga Safari Lodge: Located just outside the park, this lodge provides luxury and mid-range accommodation with stunning views, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers.
  3. Mountains of the Moon Hotel: A comfortable mid-range hotel in Kisoro, 12 km from the park, offering spacious rooms and easy access to Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks.

Conclusion

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden gem that offers a combination of thrilling activities for nature lovers, including exceptional bird watching opportunities. Whether you’re keen on spotting rare birds, trekking through volcanoes, tracking golden monkeys, or experiencing the local Batwa culture, Mgahinga provides a rich and diverse range of experiences that make it a must-visit destination for any adventure or wildlife enthusiast.