Birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro: In this article, we are going to give you a detailed guide for a bird watching trip in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kisoro. We are going to give the geographic location, all the logistics needed for a successful birding trip in Mgahinga from Kisoro, all the birdlife, and the best birding trails with the best time to go, and what to expect.
- Overview: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest national parks, covering 33.7 km². Mgahinga is located in the far southwest corner of Uganda, approximately 14 kilometers from Kisoro town. Mgahinga also borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on either side.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which covers three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Mgahinga also shares most of its ecological and biological characteristics with the Albertine Rift montane forests, which makes it a rich zone with many endemic bird species adapted to high altitudes. Mgahinga vegetation zones are ascending with altitude, ranging from bamboo, thick forest, regenerating bush/grass/bush, through montane forest, and then the alpine moorlands with giant lobelias and groundsel at the highest points, which is good for Albertine Rift Valley endemic bird species.
- How to get there from Kisoro: Here is the breakdown on how to access birding in Mghinga from Kisoro. The park headquarters, which also works as the main entrance, is Ntebeko, which is exactly 14 km south of Kisoro district via the old Cyanika road. This road is still under construction, so some areas are steep or rocky but still passable.
From Kampala to Kisoro town, you can reach Kisoro via Kabale, which is connected to Mbarara, Masaka, and Ntungamu. From Kampala to Kabale is 434 Kilometers on a good tarmac road, while from Kabale to Kisoro town is 80 Kilometers, the road is also good and tarmac, but hilly with steep ascents/descents in some areas.
For those who wish to fly, there is also a Kisoro Airstrip (airport), which is the closest air access from Kampala and Entebbe International Airport. Tourists and other travelers can take daily domestic scheduled flights from both Entebbe Airport and Kajjasi Airstrip. Kisoro Airstrip is located in Kisoro Town. on your arrival, you will then need a car to drive you to Ntebeko gate, which is the park headquarters. Once you’re in Kisoro, you will drive for about 45 minutes to reach the main gate at Ntebeko.
The Main Bird Watching Trails & Locations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
When you go for Birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro, these will be the main birding trails and areas within the Mgahinga conservation area. Below are the detailed trails for those who come for birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro; some trails will require more effort for accessibility, and others are easily accessible.
Mt. Sabinyo Volcano/Gorge Trail: This is the main birding trail, which takes you through heath and bamboo forests up to the forested gorge along a stream. This area is an excellent bird-watching spot with many endemic bird species. The Mt Sabinyo gorge trail takes about 6 hours for birding as you hike up and down, but it is worth the walk.
The Border Trail along the Uganda and DR Congo border: While bird-watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the trail offers a forest edge with lush vegetation that makes this trail one of the best places for birding in Mgahinga.
The Bamboo Zone Birding Trail: This trail takes you through montane forest and bamboo, which makes it a great habitat for many different Albertine Rift Valley bird species. Trails through bamboo and forest. Birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro offers productive birding exaction
The Newly Constructed Buffalo Wall Bird Watching Trail: The main purpose of this wall was to stop buffalo and other wild animals from going to the local community’s farmland along the northern edge of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This wall is made out of dry stone collected on the edge of the park. Buffalo Wall Trail has become a birding trail paradise in this area because the edge of the park is a good habitat zone for different species. Leaves on the edge of the park.
The Short Trail Around the Mgahinga Visitor Center (Ntebeko park headquarters): For those with a short time but who wish to do some short birding in Mgahinga, this trail is ideal. This shorter Trail is good for early morning birding and evening birding. This trail is most used, especially by travellers sleeping in the lodges close to the park gate and on the edge of the park.
When is the best time for Birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro?
Every day is a birding day in Mgahinga; however, the peak season for migrating birds is during the months of April and May, and October and November. These months are perfect for birding because it’s the main fruit season and food is abundant, which makes good time for different birds nesting and also more bird activities, making birding more interesting.
How is it during the Rainy season? The rainy season makes the trails a little slippery and muddy; however, during the rainy season, there is more food for the birds, which is an advantage. For transportation during the rainy season, you have to use a safari 4WD car because most of the roads leading to national parks are muddy and slippery. All in all, birding in Mgahinga is possible throughout the year.
How is it Dryer season/months? Uganda’s dry season starts in June to September and December to February, during these months its dry and dusty but as you know Kisoror is in highlanda and also Mgahinga is rain forest so it can still have some rains on some days and as I siad during dry months there is fewer fruits and insects which is the main food for the birds but easier trail conditions for the birders.
When is the Migration period? The main bird migration in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is during November, December, January, March, and April.
What are the Practical Tips to help in Preparation for birding in Mgahinga from Kisoro
Below are some of the Key practical tips for you to have a successful birding tour in Ganda, especially from the Kisoro area:
Local Tour Guide: It is always recommended to hire a competent local tour guide; these local guides are well trained and they know the trails very well, which makes it easy for them to spot different species more especially those that are rare species in the area.
Good Binoculars: It is recommended that any birder coming to Uganda for a birding trip bring a good pair of binoculars to help them spot different birds that are in the distance.
Good Camera or Telephoto: If possible, for those who can afford it, one of the things that you should add to your packing list when going for a birding safari in Uganda.
What to wear/Clothing while on a birding trip: one of the things one needs to keep in mind is that Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is at a higher altitude, which means that it can be chilly most of the time in the mornings and evenings, so we recommend bringing some warm clothing, proper hiking boots/shoes, and waterproofs (jacket).
Other Things to include on packing list: Kisoro Tours Uganda highly recommends that its clients bring sunscreen to protect themselves from direct sun, mosquito and other insect repellents, and lastly a waterproof backpacker bag to protect or cover their electronics, such as a camera and other valuables.
Other Health & safety while on a birding trip in Uganda: as I mentioned, Mgahing is at an Altitude, so it’s good for those with different medical issues to bring their medication, and also bring a basic first aid just in case you need it while on these slippery trails, more especially during the rainy season.
Where to stay/Accommodation: Bird watching starts early morning, so it is advisable to stay near the park or around Kisoro town, which gives you quick access to early morning starts and evening birding. When going for birding in Mgahinga, it’s important to note that early mornings are key to spotting some rare species in the area.
