Best Time to See Birds in Mgahinga National Park
Best time to see birds in Mgahinga National Park: This is part of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area, situated in the Virunga Conservation Area along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The best time to see birds in Mgahinga National Park is from November to April, when there is an increase in birdlife, including migratory birds. This time is favorable since the park’s diverse habitats, including the lush vegetation characterised by montane woodlands and bamboo forests, provide ideal conditions for birdwatching.
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, the park is home to several different bird species that inhabit mainly the afro-montane rainforests and bamboo vegetation zones. About 180 bird species have been recorded in Mgahinga National Park, and it’s said that 14 of these are endemic to the Albertine region. These include Dusky Crismsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Weaver, Rwenzori Nightjar, Regal Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Red-throated Alethe, among others.
Birds of Mgahinga National Park can be seen well when one takes trekking safaris within the park with a well-trained ranger guide about the birds. Tourists can also use safari guides that are good at birding on their birding trips to Mgahinga National Park. A birding permit, which you can obtain from UWA or at the park offices, is another requirement needed to see the birds of Mgahinga National Park.
What is the best time to see birds in Mgahinga National Park?
Bird lovers can see birds of Mgahinga National Park at any time of the year. However, certain months are better than others. November to April is the best time to see the birds of Mgahinga National Park because this is always the season when migratory birds are within the park. This calls for an increase in the number of bird species. Bird lovers intending to visit Mgahinga National Park should know that the park has a dry season from June to September and December to February that is characterized by little or no rainfall. The dry season is good for birdwatching because the trekking trails are dry and easier to navigate, and the vegetation is short and scattered with good views of wildlife.
Bird lovers to Mgahinga National Park from October to November and March to May must know that is when the park receives plenty of rainfall at any time of the day. The rainy season is somehow good for birdwatching because there are a lot of birds in the park due to plenty of food; however, the rainfall makes trekking trails muddy and slippery, and the vegetation is tall with unclear views of wildlife.
Additionally, those who are serious birdwatchers in Mgahinga National Park should be warned that significant rainfall occurs at any time of the day in October through November and March through May. Because there is a large number of birds in the park due to an abundance of food and nesting materials, this rainy season is in some ways favourable for bird viewing. The trekking trails are muddy and slick during this season, though, with dense vegetation and obscured views.
Under the guidance of skilled and knowledgeable rangers and birding guides, trekking safaris in Mgahinga National Park provide the best spots for birding. Seeing these species at Mgahinga Gorilla Park also requires a birding permit, which may be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or at the park offices.
Bird species in Mgahinga National Park
Travellers on their birding trips to Mgahinga National Park will encounter birds like Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Blue-headed, Malachite and Rega Sunbird, Black-headed Waxbill, Afep Pigeon, Brown Wood Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Dusky Turtle Dove, Stripe-breasted Tit, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Handsome Spurfowl (Francolin), Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Olive Thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Ladden’s Bushshrike, White-starred Akalat, Kivu Ground Thrush, among others.
How much does it cost to carry out birding in Mgahinga National Park?
What is the cost of birding trips in Mgahinga National Park?
A birdwatching permit is necessary to conduct successful birding in Mgahinga National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues these permits at their offices or the park office in Ntebeko. The birdwatching permit costs Ug20,000 for East African citizens, $30 for foreign residents, and $40 for foreign non-residents.
Things to pack for a birding safari in Mgahinga National Park
Essentials to pack while on a birding safari to Mgahinga National Park include waterproof hiking shoes, a bag, waterproof jackets/raincoats, a camera, binoculars, a telescope, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of shorts, a water-drinking bottle, a guidebook, a brimmed hat, long cotton socks, among others.