Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park-Mgahinga supports a diverse forest and moorland fauna, notably the localized Golden monkey and at least 180 bird species 12 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift, but also small populations of elephants, buffalo, leopard, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The spectacular setting at the base of the volcanoes, the tallest of which reaches an elevation of 4,507m, is among the most stirring in East Africa.

Notable bird species.

The Dusky Turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Bronze Sunbird, Black-headed Waxbill, and Streaky Seedeater, Handsome Francolin, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, White Starred Robin, Greater Double collard Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Shelly’s Dusky Crimson wing, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Olive Pigeon, and Black-headed waxbill, Western Green Tinker bird, Malachite Sunbird, Cape Robin, White-starred Robin, Brown Woodland Warbler, Striped breasted Tit, Malachite and Scarlet-tufted Sunbirds.

When to go.

Birdlife in Mgahinga is good year-round but best from April to mid-May and October to November. The months of June and July have the least rain. From March to mid-May, heavy rains might result in delays due to muddy roads and slippery hiking trails, which can limit your bird-watching time. You will enjoy a good list of the Albertine rift endemics in this area, especially on the gorge trail. Be ready to bird the whole day and therefore you should carry packed lunch.