Birding Safari in Rwanda
Bird watching in Rwanda is to some degree neglected in support of gorilla-trekking trips. Be that as it may, birdlife in Rwanda is amazing, giving guests the chance to see a few of the Albertine Rift Valley endemic species of birds. There are over 750 bird species in Rwanda, which is astounding for such a small country and makes for awesome birding. Perhaps the key area for bird species observation in Rwanda is the endless Afromontane Forest of Nyungwe National Park, which is recognized as an IBA (Important Birding Area) by Birdlife International.
Here are a few of Rwanda’s Albertine Rift Valley endemics, including the Albertine owlet, collared apalis, red-collared mountain babbler, and Grauer’s and Neumann’s warblers. As an aside, the papyrus swamps in Akagera National Park are one of the few places in Africa where shoebill storks are found, although we haven’t yet found a great way for our travelers to see them here.
Where Are the Best Bird-Watching Areas in Rwanda?
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is a fabulous traveler spot more celebrated for mountain gorilla trekking. But this astonishing country is more than just gorillas it is a birding haven with numerous spots where an assortment of colorful bird species can be spotted. Located within the Albertine Rift Valley region and covered by Afro-montane forests, savannah prairie fields, swamps, waterways, wetlands, and lakes, Rwanda has an estimated population of 750 species of birds. The following are the best destinations to spot a wide variety of birds:
Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a popular visitor destination in Rwanda with numerous attractions. The park is an important birding location. It is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, stretching through the border of Rwanda and Burundi, with Kibira National Park to the south, Lake Kivu, and the DRC Congo to the west.
Nyungwe National Park hosts around 300 species of birds. Birds in Nyungwe are spotted during nature or forest walks and chimpanzee trekking experiences. Bird species in Nyungwe include Albertine owlet, blue-headed sunbird, Archer’s robin-chat, buff-throated apalis, overshadow honeyguide, dim crimsonwing, Grauer’s swamp songbird, Kivu ground thrush, mountain veiled apalis, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, handsome francolin, Neumann’s lark, purple-breasted sunbird, red-faced forest lark, red-collared babbler, red-throated alethe, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Ruwenzori apalis, majestic sunbird, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori nightjar, Shelley’s crimsonwing, stripe-breasted tit, unusual weaver, and many more.
Bird Watching in Akanyaru Wetland
Akanyaru Wetland is located in the southern region of Rwanda near the border of Uganda and Rwanda. This wetland is a phenomenal birding location, hosting around 54 bird species. Birds spotted in Akanyaru Wetland include Madagascar squacco heron, Guinea Congo forest biome species, pale harrier, lesser kestrel, lesser swamp warbler, papyrus gonolek, and many more.
Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is an ideal birding location and an incredible visitor spot in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. The park is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda and features five beautiful Virunga volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, covering an area of 160 square kilometers. The park’s bamboo and meadow vegetation supports approximately 187 bird species, including 16 species endemic to the Albertine Rift. Notable birds include handsome francolin, red-faced forest songbird, Archer’s ground robin, Ruwenzori turaco, shadowy dark redwing, and more.
Other species include Ruwenzori batis, dusty blood-red wing, collared apalis, francolin, interesting weaver, stripe-breasted tit, blue-headed and majestic sunbirds, cinnamon bracken songbird, Grauer’s surge lark, mountain dingy boubou, white-tailed blue flycatcher, purple-throated sunbird, black and white puppet, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, Archer’s robin, and many more.
Bird Watching in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is a captivating visitor destination located in the eastern region of Rwanda. This reserve is dominated by savannah, montane, and swamp vegetation and is crossed by River Kagera, which is home to the highest concentration of bird species. The park covers 1,112 square kilometers and is a collection of lakes, wetlands, rolling hills, and savannahs.
Akagera is home to around 310 bird species. The best birding spots are around Lake Ihema, its islands, and surrounding wetlands. Notable species include the endangered papyrus gonolek and the tricky-to-spot necked francolin. Birding here is organized into two sessions: morning and evening. Morning safaris offer exceptional sightings as birds are just waking.
Birds spotted include African darter, blue-cheeked bee-eater, African wattled lapwing, common squacco heron, eastern grey plantain-eater, crowned lapwing, great egret, grey-backed fiscal, crested barbet, black-headed gonolek, lilac-breasted roller, grey hornbill, black-headed weaver, Ross’s turaco, Heuglin’s robin-chat, white-browed coucal, African jacana, fork-tailed drongo, long-crested eagle, white-faced whistling duck, saddle-billed stork, palm-nut vulture, woodland kingfisher, grey-crowned crane, and many more.
Bird Watching in Rugezi Wetland
Rugezi Swamp is located in the northern region of Rwanda near Gicumbi. This swamp is the only designated Ramsar site in Rwanda and a birding haven supporting many species, such as Grauer’s swamp warbler, papyrus canary, grey-crowned cranes, and papyrus yellow warbler. In the southern part of the swamp is Lake Nyagafunzo, which offers boat cruises for better bird viewing.
Bird Watching in Kigali City
Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, spans over 730 square kilometers and is known for its cleanliness and lush vegetation. This green cover supports a massive population of birds approximately 750 species. Birds can be spotted during nature walks and at the Kigali Golf Course.
Common species include African grey hornbill, brown-throated wattle-eye, cardinal woodpecker, African rock pigeon, hamerkop, pied crow, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, red-cheeked cordon-bleu, hadada ibis, lesser-striped swallow, tawny-flanked prinia, pin-tailed whydah, northern fiscal, African harrier-hawk, and many more.
Bird Watching in Gishwati–Mukura National Park
Gishwati–Mukura is a newly established national park in Rwanda, located in the western region near Lake Kivu. The park’s dense forests are home to 232 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics.
Notable species include red-throated alethe, strange weaver, mountain yellow warbler, Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori batis, purple-breasted sunbird, regal sunbird, grey-crowned crane, martial eagle, stripe-breasted tit, white-headed wood hoopoe, old world warblers, and more.
Bird Watching on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s great lakes, located on the border between DR Congo and Rwanda in the country’s western corner. Covering 27,000 square kilometers, it is a phenomenal birding location. The lake spans Cyangugu (south), Kibuye (central), and Gisenyi (north), and is a globally recognized birding hotspot.
Species found here include common kestrel, common waxbill, spotted yellow-throated greenbul, African pied wagtail, tropical boubou, speckled pigeon, cardinal woodpecker, bronzed sunbird, chin-spot batis, ashy flycatcher, southern red bishop, white-tailed blue flycatcher, red-chested sunbird, hadada ibis, scarlet-chested sunbird, spectacled weaver, crimson-rumped waxbill, striated heron, little bee-eater, yellow-fronted canary, red-billed firefinch, sacred ibis, Holub’s golden weaver, red-rumped swallow, grey-rumped swallow, variable sunbird, bronze manikin, olive pigeon, white-browed robin-chat, long-tailed cormorant, African black swift, Angola swallow, mosque swallow, black crake, spot-flanked barbet, black saw-wing, and many more. Birding is done via boat cruise and nature walks.
What to Pack on a Birding Safari in Rwanda
For a phenomenal birding safari, you need proper gear:
- Binoculars: Essential for spotting shy, forest-dwelling birds.
- Camera: Helps capture memorable sightings.
- Voice Recorder: Useful for recording unique bird calls.
- Water & Packed Lunch: Birding can be a full-day activity.
- Birding Books: Easily available at park offices for species identification.
- Insect Repellant: Forests are home to biting insects.
- Camouflage Clothing: Helps blend into the environment and avoid alarming birds.
- Hiking Shoes and Pointers: Ensure safety and orientation on trails.
Don’ts on a Birding Safari in Rwanda
- Do not chase or flush birds out of hiding.
- Move carefully and avoid loud noise.
- Turn off your camera flash, especially during breeding seasons.
- Stay away from nests unless you’re a researcher.
- Do not litter preserve the bird habitats.
- Always follow ranger or guide instructions.
Best Time for Bird Watching Safari in Rwanda
Birding in Rwanda happens year-round, but the best period is from December to February. During this season, many migratory birds arrive from colder regions, providing exceptional sightings and a memorable birding experience.
