This 16 Days Rwanda Bird Watching Safari will give you the opportunity to view the stunning scenery and discover more about the diverse animals that calls this nation home. Enquire Now Explore the core of Rwanda’s avian treasures with an enthralling journey via Kigali, the vast Akagera National Park, the ethereal Nyungwe Forest, and the majestic Virunga Mountains.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Birding at Umusambi Village
At Kigali International Airport, a driver and birding guide will be waiting to greet you and transfer you straight to your lodging. Following a briefing from your tour manager and bird viewing guide, you will embark on a birding trip in Kigali. These are a few of the most prevalent bird species in Rwanda. The best place in Kigali to start bird watching is Umusambi Village. It is the first sanctuary of its kind in the city, having been established not long ago to provide sanctuary for the endangered Grey-crowned Cranes that were freed from captivity.
Umusambi Village has numerous distinct settings, which attract a wide variety of birds. Wetland restoration is one of these. While strolling along the well-maintained paths, you can spot a variety of birds, including the frequent White-collared Oliveback in this area. Green-winged Pytilia, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Spot-flanked Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, African Firefinch, and Purple-crested Turaco are some birds that may be spotted.
Day 2: Bird Watching in the Nyabarongo Wetlands
Get a good night’s sleep in preparation for an exciting 16-day birding expedition in Rwanda through the diverse wetlands, marshes, and forests of Bugesera, which is located not far from Kigali. As soon as the sun rises, begin your day of bird watching at the Nyabarongo River Wetlands (IBA) in Bugesera to observe a variety of wetland birds. The White-winged Swamp Warbler and Papyrus Gonolek are exclusive to the Lake Victoria Biome; you can later search for them at Gashora Lake in Ngoma. These uncommon species are among the area’s highlights.
After lunch, you don’t have to stop your birdwatching trip; instead, you can explore woods, open fields, and woodlands throughout the afternoon and evening. As the sun sets on a fantastic day of bird viewing, you can return to Kigali.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, proceed to the scenic Akagera National Park located in the eastern region of Rwanda. This park is home to a wide variety of fauna and avian species. The park is uncommon in a mostly mountainous region because of its savanna nature. Given that Akagera National region is home to over 525 bird species, or more than two-thirds of all bird species in Rwanda, it makes sense that the region has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) on a global scale. Palearctic migrants swarm the park from September to April, feeding on the local savanna, woodland, and marsh bird species.
Driving to Akagera National Park will expose you to more bird viewing opportunities since you’ll be travelling through agricultural areas and communities. As soon as you arrive at the park, you can begin your bird viewing expedition. As soon as you enter the park, the Little Rush Warbler will greet you with its beautiful calls. You can record the species of birds you see as you drive past the park gate and onto the gaming courses. The area around the entrance of Akagera National Park is covered in marshes, grasslands, woodlands, and thickets of acacia. While bird watching, one can observe a range of fascinating creatures in this section of the park, such as zebras, antelopes, monkeys, and even rhinos.
Later in the day, as the sun is setting, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera. This is a stunning opportunity for birdwatchers to witness migrating species such as Wood and Common Sandpipers, as well as water-related birds like African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, and African Fish Eagle. Keep an eye out for the several species of aquatic animals, including hippos and crocodiles.
Day 4: Bird Watching in Akagera National Park
Make sure you up bright and early at 6:00 am so that you may enjoy an amazing day of safari activities and bird watching at Akagera National Park. After a quick breakfast, head off to explore the park’s lower southern regions. This region is defined by lush meadows, dense acacia thickets, woodlands, and stunning lakeshores and marshes. In Akagera National Park, seeing the Red-faced Barbet, an East African native species, is considered a unique experience. An amazing experience would be to view this bird if you are a Rwandan birdwatcher. Throughout the day, a variety of birds and other fascinating animals, such as antelopes, giraffes, and elephants, will be easily observed and documented.
As you get towards the park’s more northern, mountainous, and elevated areas, you will have more opportunities to see a wider diversity of birds and animals throughout the day. In Rwanda, nighttime birdwatching is especially thrilling when you can spot nocturnal creatures such as the elusive Nightjar. Have a restful night’s sleep and eagerly await the next day.
Day 5: Bird Watching in the Northern Region of Akagera National Park
Get ready for an amazing day of safari exploration and bird watching as you enter Akagera National Park from the north. This area’s wetlands are well-known for providing a unique opportunity to observe the elusive Shoebill bird, albeit sightings are rare, so don’t get your expectations up. The breathtaking savannah plains in the north offer fantastic chances to witness a variety of savannah animals. Many different kinds of species, including grazers and predators, can be found in the large grasslands and savannahs in the northern region of Akagera National Park. Watch out for well-known predators such as lions and hyenas; the abundance of food in this area makes it a perfect home for them.
The Kilala Plains, located in the park’s northern region, are an excellent spot to go on a game drive to watch wildlife. Here, you might also spot a wide variety of savannah birds. After a day of bird viewing, spend the night at the upscale Karenge Bush Camp, located north of the park and offering views of the breathtaking Kilala Plains.
Day 6: Morning Birding in Akagera – Transfer to Kigali
The ideal way to start the day is to go birdwatching on the picturesque Kilala Plains in Akagera National Park. This is the finest time of year to observe a broad variety of birds in addition to witnessing these amazing creatures play on the open plains. Keep an eye out for well-known creatures like lions, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes as they gracefully traverse the stunning landscape. When you have had your fill of birdwatching and animal safari encounters, bid Akagera National Park farewell. As you bid farewell and begin the tiresome journey back to Kigali, reminisce about all the amazing experiences you had while visiting.
Day 7: Journey to Musanze – Birding in Buhanga Forest
As you bid farewell to your current hotel, a healthy breakfast will set you up for a wonderful day. The stunning Virunga Mountains and the enigmatic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park are located in northwest Rwanda. You’ll travel a gorgeous route today to get here.
Your two-hour drive to Musanze, the Volcanoes National Park entrance, should take roughly two hours. See the beautiful scenery of Buhanga Forest and go birdwatching as soon as you get in Musanze. Although the Buhanga woods may not be home to any Albertine Rift endemics, there are still many fascinating woodland bird species to observe. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this enthralling setting for as long as you like as you explore the forest. It will be your home away from home at the Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge. At this tasteful mid-range lodge, indulge in the utmost in luxury and comfort.
Day 8: Bird Watching in Rugezi Swamp.
Will you have the opportunity to spend an entire day taking in the breathtaking scenery of Rwanda’s Rugezi Swamp, a top spot for bird watching? This wetland environment is well-known due to the large number of bird species that are specialised for wetlands. Today, the wonderful Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, an endemic of the Albertine Rift, will be the main topic of discussion. As you circle the marsh, keep an eye out for this strange bird. You’re in luck if you want to see more species of birds in Rwanda than only marsh birds! A wide variety of bird species can be found in the nearby gardens and bush communities. Put down your work and make thorough notes about the many bird species that live in this amazing area.
Day 9: Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park.
Prepare yourself for an experience of a lifetime as you explore the breathtaking Virunga Mountains. After a filling breakfast, you’re in for a drive to Volcanoes National Park, which is great for bird watching. It’s often known that Volcanoes National Park is home to an incredible variety of birds. There are over two hundred bird species known to exist. Numerous birds with specialised skills in the mountains can be seen, including up to fifteen endemic species from the Albertine Rift.
You’ll travel across mountain slopes that support a range of forest ecosystems, including bamboo and hagenia, on your bird watching excursion. Look for birds that live at higher altitudes as you explore the distinctive alpine landscape. You might be fortunate enough to spot a number of uncommon species from the Albertine Rift and mountain-specialized birds on your ascent to Lake Ngezi on Mount Bisoke. In addition, the tranquil waters of Lake Ngezi are home to rare bird species associated with water. An optional extra is to go gorilla trekking first thing in the morning in Volcanoes National Park. After your incredible trip to Africa, you should keep up your bird watching so you can fully appreciate the park’s natural splendour.
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu.
Start the day off well with a filling breakfast and a prompt wake-up call at roughly 6:30 a.m. You will meet knowledgeable park rangers at the park offices in Kinigi following an exhilarating walk with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. The walk meanders through a beautiful bamboo forest at the base of Mount Sabyinyo Volcano. Locating a habituated group of over a hundred golden monkeys is an easy and quick trip. You’ll have approximately an hour to admire and enjoy these lively and appealing monkeys in their natural habitat after you locate them.
The golden monkey trail will lead you to the charming lakeside town of Gisenyi, which is situated on the shores of Lake Kivu. While visiting Lake Kivu, you can engage in the pastime of bird watching. If you go bird watching along the lake or on its shores, you may view a wide variety of species. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Southern Red Bishop, which are frequently spotted around Lake Kivu’s edge.
Day 11: Transfer to Gishwati – Mukura National Park
Check out of your lodge at 6:30 am and get ready for an intriguing day ahead. After a lovely journey, you will see Gishwati Forest, which is a part of Gishwati – Mukura National Park. This protected area is the most recent addition to Rwanda’s natural attractions, and it takes around 1.5 hours to get there from Gisenyi. Seventeen bird species that are unique to the Albertine Rift can be discovered among the many unusual plants and animals at Gishwati – Mukura National Park. This is a fantastic site to watch these unique birds before heading to Nyungwe Forest, which may have even more species.
Visit Gishwati Forest for a day trip and spend time observing uncommon birds in their native habitat. Take in the stunning landscape of this recently established national park and cross birding off your bucket list.
Day 12: Drive to Nyungwe National Park – Take a Canopy Walk
As you go for Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest of Rwanda, be ready for an incredible adventure. Approximately 310 different bird species call this park home, and it is well known worldwide as an IBA. Nyungwe is the best location to view these uncommon bird species because of its abundance of endemic species from the Albertine Rift. With 27 of the approximately 40 species present in the Albertine Rift Valley, Nyungwe is home to more Albertine endemics than any other park.
To ensure that you see every Albertine Rift endemic, set aside at least three full days for Nyungwe Forest bird watching. You can walk along one of the many routes in the park while you’re here. If your schedule allows, you can add extra days to your trip to extend your birding excursions in Nyungwe.
Day 13: Birding in Nyungwe: Gisakura – Karamba – Kamiranzovu Marsh
It’s time to return to the enchanted Nyungwe Forest after breakfast and start your Rwanda bird watching tour at the Gisakura ranger station. Your excursion will begin at the magnificent Kamiranzovu Marsh, where you can observe the Albertine Rift-exclusive Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. This is a really valuable bird for anyone who enjoys watching birds.
Many species that are exclusive to the Albertine Rift can be found among the many amazing birds of Nyungwe Forest that you will see on your bird watching excursions close to Gisakura. Keep an eye out for these amazing birds, as well as their loud calls and colourful plumage. If you happen to observe a variety of monkey species while out and about, your encounters with animals in Nyungwe will be elevated to a whole new level.
Day 14: Birding in Nyungwe on The Mt. Bigugu Trail
You are going to have another exciting birding day in Nyungwe National Park. You’ll walk a different trail today to discover a new area of the park. We’ll be trekking the magnificent Mt. Bigugu trail today, which leads to the peak of Mt. Bigugu, the highest point in the Nyungwe, at a height of 2950 meters.
As you meander down the trail, keep a look out for the many endemic bird species found in the Albertine Rift. Watch out for the following animals: The following birds are found in the area: Neumann’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Strip-breasted Tit. These are just a few of the many amazing bird species that this walk offers the chance to see. Look out for additional fascinating birds, such as the Olive Woodpecker and Mountain Buzzard.
You’ll experience a total immersion in nature as you stroll through this lovely woodland. Enjoy the chance to listen to the songbirds as you go down the route. Along with providing you with information on the area’s history, the experienced guides will assist you in identifying the birds you see.
Day 15: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
You can have an interesting chimpanzee trip at Nyungwe National Park today. The excursion leaves from the Gisakura neighbourhood of Nyungwe five minutes before the top of the hour. Entering the Cyamudongo Forest will take you into a smaller, distinct area of the larger Nyungwe Forest, which is still a part of Nyungwe National Park. As you move through the lush vegetation, you’ll get the chance to follow and observe amazing primates. A magnificent jungle will envelop you as you search for the chimpanzees. The walk normally ends around midday, so you’ll have plenty of afternoon time to continue Rwandan bird watching.
Nyungwe National Park offers a full day of bird watching if chimpanzee tracking isn’t your thing. Find hidden bird treasures and finish your checklist with more birds as you find the paths and uncharted areas.
Day 16: Transfer to Kigali
On this final day of your journey, you will say goodbye to the interesting Nyungwe National Park and head back to Rwanda’s bustling capital, Kigali. After eating breakfast, you will embark on a stunning journey from Nyungwe to Kigali. As you journey through Rwanda, you will have plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the breathtaking surroundings. The nature, culture, and memories you’ve encountered on your voyage will stay with you forever, and this drive will provide a terrific time to reflect on them.
Once you arrive in Kigali, we will take you to your appointed drop-off location, ending your journey. Kigali is a dynamic, culturally rich city that is always changing. If you have time, you might wish to visit the Genocide Memorial Centre or the vibrant local markets as your final stop on your fantastic Rwandan bird watching tour. I hope that after your trip, you would have a deep appreciation for Rwanda’s natural wonders as you reflect on the variety of birds, incredible animals, breathtaking scenery, and warm Rwandan people you met.
End of the 16 Days Rwanda Bird Watching Safari.
The 16 Days Rwanda Bird Watching Safari includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Golden Monkey Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Airport transfers.
- All Accommodation in standard rooms.
- 1-litre bottled mineral water per person per day whilst on safari.
- Transportation by a 4×4 safari Car.
- Services of a professional English speaking driver/guide.
- Game drive.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permit.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Accommodation as per itinerary.
However, the safari cost excludes; Airfares, Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills and cigars.