RWANDA BIRDING SAFARI OVER VIEW
Birding Safari in Rwanda: Exploring the Albertine Rift and Rich Avian Diversity
Rwanda's Birding Safari takes you deep into the montane forests and diverse habitats of the Albertine Rift Endemic Bird Area (EBA), a birdwatcher’s paradise. While Rwanda doesn't have any bird species exclusive to its borders, it is home to a significant portion of the Albertine Rift Endemic species—with 44 species in total, 27 of which thrive in Nyungwe Forest alone.
Explore the wetlands of Nyarutarama Lake, and Nyabarongo, the tranquil Umusambi Village, and the scenic Rugezi Swamp, each offering an opportunity to spot rare and unique species. With around 750 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics, Rwanda is a haven for bird watchers seeking diverse avian life.
The Endemics include, Albertine boubou, Albertine owlet, Archer’s robin-chat, Black-faced Apalis, Blue-headed sunbird, Congo bay owl, Dusky crimson wing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grauer’s warbler, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Kungwe Apalis, Neumann’s warbler, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-collared babbler, Red-faced woodland warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Regal sunbird, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori turaco, Schouteden’s swift, Strange weaver, Stripe-breasted tit, Willard’s sooty boubou, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher.
Rwanda's varied habitats—from the lush Albertine Rift montane forests in the west to the grasslands and swamps along the eastern border, and the swamps, rivers, and lakes of central Rwanda—provide ample birding opportunities for both seasoned birdwatchers and newcomers alike.
RWANDA BIRDING SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Nyarutarama Wetland ideal for spotting local and migratory birds.
- Akagera National Park with 490 bird species.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park home to 322 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Key trails include Bigugu, Gisakura, Karamba, and Kamiranzovu.
- Lake Kivu a vital RAMSAR wetland with 194 bird species,
- Volcanoes National Park over 200 bird species, 17 endemics found in the Virunga mountains.
- Nyabarongo a prime birding location with various species along the riverbanks and wetlands.
- Rugezi Swamp a RAMSAR wetland home to 222 bird species
- Mount Kigali a great spot for both hiking and birding
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation – Relax in handpicked midrange or luxury lodges that offer both comfort and sustainability.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport - Nyarutarama Lake
Upon arrival in Kigali meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation for check-in and relaxation. Once settled, head to Nyarutarama Lake, located next to the Kigali Golf Course, where you’ll encounter an abundance of bird species in a serene setting.
Observe a variety of species, including Yellow-billed Duck, Squacco Heron, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Teal, African Spoonbill, Spur-winged Geese, Little Grebe, Common Moorhen, Hadada Ibis, Black Crake, Black Egret, Cattle Egret, and Black-headed Heron, among others.
The surrounding vegetation provides an ideal habitat for Black Kite, African Fish Eagle, Pygmy Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Grey-capped Warbler, Winding Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Paradise Flycatcher, African Hobby, and Swamp Flycatcher, to name a few.
On the eastern shore, acacia woodlands attract species such as the Mountain Buzzard, Swifts, and Sunbirds, adding even more excitement to your birdwatching experience. After this exhilarating day, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day's sightings.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel
Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 2: Kigali - Akagera National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey to Akagera National Park, arriving in time for check-in, relaxation, and lunch. Afterward, enjoy a bird-watching session along the marshy areas, where you may spot species such as Pied Crow, Veillot's Black Weavers, African Darter, and Great Egret, among others.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Akagera Game Lodge
Luxury Level: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 3: Birding in Akagera National Park - Lake Ihema
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Akagera National Park, home to over 480 bird species across its savannah and woodland areas. Look out for special sightings, including the Red-faced Barbet, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Canary, Brown-Chested Lapwing, Caruthers's Cisticola, White-collared Olive back, and Grey-crowned Cranes, among many others.
In the afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a scenic boat cruise. Here, you can look for the elusive Shoebill Stork, African Finfoot, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, African Fish Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, and African Openbill, adding to your incredible birding experience in this rich ecosystem.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Akagera Game Lodge
Luxury Level: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 4: Akagera National Park -Kigali
After breakfast, head back to Kigali, arriving in time for lunch. Later, head to the Nyabarongo Wetlands, a prime birding location just outside the city. Nyabarongo Wetland, home to a variety of bird species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Olive Back, Madagascar Squacco Heron, White-winged Scrub Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, African Openbill, Papyrus Canary, Caruthers’s Cisticola and African Marsh Harrier. The wetlands offer a unique birding experience, focusing on wetland and papyrus-loving birds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel
Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 5: Kigali - Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, embark on your journey to Nyungwe National Park. The recommended birding trails include the Karamba Trail, Rangiro Road, and the Waterfall Trail.
After lunch, enjoy a birding session in Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll have the chance to spot frequently sighted species such as the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Montane Double Collared Sunbird, and Red-throated Alethe. Keep your eyes peeled for these incredible birds amidst the lush rainforest!
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Luxury Level: One and Only Nyungwe House
Day 6: Birding in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to around 300 bird species, with 27 of these being endemic to the Albertine Rift. The park features several excellent birding trails, including Bigugu, Gisakura, Karamba, and Kamiranozu.
Start your birding adventure on the 13 km Bigugu Trail, one of the best spots to observe the Red-collared Warbler. Be on the lookout for some of Nyungwe’s unique species, such as the Kungwe Apalis, Regal Sunbird, Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Blue-headed Sunbird.
Other notable species to spot include the Albertine Owlet, Congo Bay Owl, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Chestnut Owlet, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, and Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers.
On the Gisakura trails, keep an eye out for the Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, and the elusive Kivu Ground Thrush.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Luxury Level: One and Only Nyungwe House
Day 7: Nyungwe National Park - Lake Kivu
After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu and arrive in time for lunch on your Birding Safari in Rwanda. Following lunch, head out on a boat cruise while continuing your birding adventure. Look out for large numbers of White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers, Yellow-Bellied Waxbills, Familiar Chats, Brown-throated Wattle-eyes, and Spot-flanked Barbets. You may also spot an Osprey fishing during its migration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Kivu Lodge
Luxury Level: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 8: Lake Kivu -Rugezi Swamp - Volcanoes Park
The drive from Lake Kivu in Gisenyi to Musanze takes about one hour. From there, head to Rugezi Swamp, Rwanda’s only RAMSAR wetland. This swamp is home to 194 bird species, including several globally threatened species and one endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Look out for the only Albertine Rift Endemic, the Grauer's Swamp Warbler. Other Species include Grey Crowned Crane, Caruthers's Cisticola, Papyrus Canary, and the Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Afterward, make your way to Volcanoes National Park, where you can relax at your accommodation and unwind for the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 9: Birding in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, set off on your birdwatching safari in Volcanoes National Park, home to over 200 bird species, with 16 being endemic to the Virunga mountains. Look out for unique species such as the Archer’s Ground Robin, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Black and White Mannikin, Rwenzori Batis, White-Tailed Blue Flycatcher, and more.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury Level: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Day 10: Volcanoes National Park - Mt. Kigali
After breakfast, head back to Kigali, arriving in time for check-in, relaxation, and lunch. Later visit Mount Kigali, the largest hill in the city, which boasts a forested summit—a great birding spot. Here, you can observe birds like the African Paradise Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Southern Black Flycatcher, Red-chested Cuckoo, Green-backed Camaroptera, Thick-billed Seedeater, Tropical Boubou, Northern Puffback, Common Bulbul, Bronze Mannikin, and Yellow-fronted Canary. Return to the Hotel for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation Options
Mid-range Level: Lemigo Hotel
Luxury Level: The Retreat by Heaven
Day 11: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. As you depart, reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your journey on the Rwanda Birding Safari, from the breathtaking landscapes and rich avian diversity.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
: Small, waterproof backpack for essentials
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Included in the Rwanda Birding Safari
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- All Birding Nature Walks
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Birding Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Rwanda Birding Safari
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
Discover Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a captivating East African destination celebrated for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. This compact and easy-to-navigate country offers an exceptional blend of lush rainforests, rolling hills, and serene lakes. Its main attraction is the accessible gorilla trekking experience, making Rwanda a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Renowned for its commitment to conservation and sustainability, Rwanda stands as a global model in eco-tourism. The warm hospitality of its people invites travelers to explore the beauty and spirit of this remarkable nation.
Entry Requirements
Visa on Arrival: Nationals of all countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Ensure your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.
Visa Waivers: Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.
Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at Irembo or at Rwandan diplomatic missions. Payment can be made online or upon arrival.
Visa Exemptions:
- East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi.
- La Francophonie Member States: Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Togo, Chad, Gabon, Mauritius, Seychelles, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Romania, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tahiti.
- Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at Irembo, upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.
Money and Spending
Rwanda’s currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Kigali for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Kigali but rarely outside the capital.
Health and Medical Information
Vaccinations:
- Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
- Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
- Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
- General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda: Month-by-Month Guide
- January & February: Dry season with hot days and cool evenings in high-altitude areas (Kigali, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe National Parks). Perfect for forest treks and safaris, but expect higher prices due to peak season.
- March to May: Rainy season with challenging trekking conditions. Ideal for birdwatching during the breeding season. Mid-May offers fewer crowds and better chances of securing last-minute gorilla trekking permits.
- June to September: The best time to visit Rwanda due to dry, mild weather. Perfect for gorilla trekking. Highlights include the Kwita Izina Ceremony (June) and the Rwanda Film Festival (September). Book early as this is peak travel season.
- October to December: Short rainy season with brief showers and clear skies. Enjoy more affordable gorilla trekking permits and accommodation rates. Ideal for travelers seeking quieter parks and lower prices.