Rwanda Birding Safari

Quick Facts

Days

11

Takes you to

Kigali, Nyarutarama Lake, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes National Park

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Rwanda Birding Safari

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.

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Nyarutarama Wetland is ideal for spotting local and migratory birds.
Akagera National Park with 490 bird species.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 322 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Key trails include Bigugu, Gisakura, Karamba, and Kamiranzovu.
Lake Kivu is a vital RAMSAR wetland with 194 bird species.
Volcanoes National Park has over 200 bird species, 17 are endemics found in the Virunga mountains.
Nyabarongo is a prime birding location with various species along the riverbanks and wetlands.
Rugezi Swamp is a RAMSAR wetland home to 222 bird species.
Mount Kigali is a great spot for both hiking and birding.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation – Relax in handpicked midrange or luxury lodges that offer both comfort and sustainability.

DETAILED ITINERARY

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.

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 is 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 the 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

Included in the Rwanda Birding Safari

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel
All Birding Nature Walks
Drinking water / refillable water bottle
English-speaking Birding Guide
Accommodation and Meals
All Park Entrance Fees.

Excluded from 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.

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature-blending clothes