Birding in Rwenzori National Park

Overview

Rwenzori National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo at approximately 996 km2. The park encompasses most of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon” with the highest peak at 5,109 meters and the upper regions permanently glaciated. These mountains are famous for their stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and snow-capped peaks, making the park a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and trekkers. The Rwenzori Mountains have a unique microclimate, with yearly rainfall ensuring frequent mists contributing to the lush vegetation. The mountains have distinct ecological zones and are known for their rich plant life ranging from dense rainforests at lower altitudes to alpine meadows and glaciers higher up.

The park has a rich biodiversity with over 217 bird species, including 19 Albertine Rift endemics making it an Important Birding Area (IBA) including Rwenzori turaco, archer’s robin-chat, white-starred robin, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, blue-headed sunbird, African green broadbill, shelley’s crimsonwing, strange weaver, handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, barred long-tailed cuckoo, slender-billed starling, lappet-faced vulture, crowned eagle, mountain buzzard, African marsh harrier, black kite, Abyssinian ground hornbill, gray-headed kingfisher, gray-throated barbet, dusky crimsonwing, waxbills, warblers, greenbuls, wagtails, and many more; 70 mammals including elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bushbucks, leopards, otters, chimpanzees, l’hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, and many more; reptiles, plants, trees and many more. The unique altitudinal gradient of the Rwenzori Mountains supports different bird species at varying heights. Birders can experience the thrill of spotting high-altitude specialists in the afro-alpine zones.

Mount Rwenzori National Park offers several trails that are suitable for birding enthusiasts. These trails traverse a variety of habitats, allowing birdwatchers to explore different ecosystems and encounter a wide range of avian species.  Trails like Central Circuit Trail one of the most popular trails, pass through a variety of habitats including the montane forest, bamboo zone and alpine moorland with birds like Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, and Rwenzori batis to be seen; Bulemba-Ibanda trail is one of the shorter trails that lead to different peaks and valleys providing a birder with an opportunity for viewing birds alpine chat, bush shrike, malachite kite, White-tailed Blue Monarch, Rwenzori Apalis, and Dusky Crimsonwing and more; Nyakalengija nature trail near the park entrance through the montane forests and offers a chance to spot birds like olive pigeon, African greenbul, mountain illadopsis; Mahoma trail which also starts at the headquarters leading to the Mahoma falls. Birders on this trail can see birds like Rwenzori turaco, blue-headed sunbird, barred long-tailed cuckoo, and more; the Rwenzori Mountains trail leads to different peaks and valleys primarily used for mountain climbing with perfect viewing chances for species like sunbirds, bush shrikes, alpine chats and more. With local guides, the trails will enable a birder to enjoy the experience with the information needed readily available and enhance the experience. They help spot elusive species and share insights into the park’s ecosystem.

One can go birding any time throughout the year, however, the best times to go birding are the dry seasons of December-February and June-August as the weather is more predictable with clear skies and less rainfall making it easier to explore and spot birds. Also one can do some birding during the breeding season of March-May as birds are out and more active in a bid to mate and nest. The Park offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and birdwatching opportunities to both novice and experienced birders alike, offering an opportunity for one to immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.