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Size: 33 sq km, Elevation: 2300-4127 metres above sea level, Birds recorded: 115 species
Habitat: Montane forest with an extensive belt of bamboo (Arundinaria) and regenerating pastures on the lower slopes, health and Afro-alpine moorland on the upper slopes.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest and most scenic national park situated in the extreme south-western corner of the country, forming part of the large conservation area that bestrides political boundaries to include Parcs des Volcans in Rwanda and Parcs des Virungas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is best known for its endangered mountain Gorillas, a habituated group that wanders back and forth across the international border.
Birding in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.
Although scenically very rewarding, it is not necessary to climb to the tops of the volcanoes to see the specialists of the park. Most of the main attractions may be found on the excellent Gorge Trail, which loops half way up Mt. Sabinyo, traverses a variety of montane habitats and takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Brown-crowned Tchagara, Bronze Sunbird, Black headed Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater favour the scrubby vegetation in this area. Passing the old ranger's hut on the left, you enter the bamboo belt at about 2500m above sea level. Handsome francolin (often near water), Kivu Ground thrush and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler occur here. Between the bamboo zone and the edge of the forest you cross several hundred meters of open heath with appearance of alpine moorland. Scan the flowering Red-hot Pokers carefully, for both Malachite and Scarlet-tufted, Malachite sunbirds. This is one of the few places where these two species may be seen side by side although the Scarlet-tufted may only be a wet season visitor to these low altitudes.
As you enter the tall montane forest at 2660m above sea level, listen for the call of the rare Lagden's Bush Shrike, unlike that of the Buf-spotted Flufftail. This spectacular bird is quite responsive to tape recordings. The other stunning attractions n this beautiful forest for bird watchers found include; African (Rwenzori) Hill Babbler, White-starred Robin, Brown woodland Warbler, Stripe- Breasted Tit, Regal Sunbird, strange Weaver and Dusky Crimson wing.
Turn right when the trail forks at about 2700m above sea level, look and listen for the magnificent Rwenzori Turaco in this area, remembering that it sounds nothing like other Turacos. Crossing the creek, you get magnificent views up the deep gorge that cuts into Mt. Sabinyo. The trail continues on more or less level ground to another old ranger's hut where it begins its descent.
Along the way keep an eye for Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas, the latter feeding in the abundant wild celery in the area. Descending through the forest along the Ugandan / Congelese border, look for Narina Trogon, Archer's Robin-Chat, Red-faced woodland and Montane Mountain Yellow Warblers, Montane masked, Chestnut-throated and collared Apalises white-tailed Blue Flycatcher and Montane Sooty Boubou.
Back on level ground, the trail follows the stonewall marking the National park boundary. Chubb's Cisticola, Banded prinia and Doherty's Bush-strike are vocal yet inconspicuous inhabitants of tangles at the Forest edge whilst cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, white-eyed Slaty Flycather and Mackinnon's Fiscal favour more exposed perches. The trail emerges onto open moorland reminiscent of pans of northern Europe. Not surprisingly, common Stonechat is abundant but here shares the habitats with many of the tropical African open country species; Grassland Pipit, Yellow-throated long claw, wing-snapping cisticola and yellow-crowned canary.
Other wildlife found in park include among others; Animals found in the park include: Buffaloes, Elephants, Bushbucks, and the threatened Golden Monkeys.
Gorilla Tracking
This is the most exciting and unforgettable experience which might take one through a thick jungle. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is thrilling but may be challenging, therefore ensure physical fitness. One gorilla group (Nyakagezi), is currently habituated and available for tourists. It consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants.
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