Bird watching in Rwanda

Bird watching in Rwanda.

Travel to the small but beautiful country with more than seven hundred bird species distributed throughout agricultural areas, marshes, and protected areas. The three protected areas of Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes national parks are where most birdwatching takes place. You must be willing to spend a lot of time outdoors and be able to hike to some extent in order to enjoy bird watching in Rwanda. For instance, there is a good deal of hiking up and down the mountain regions while birding in Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks. Due to the ease with which birds may be viewed and the short distance between protected areas, birdwatching is generally a fun activity in Rwanda. Around the villages’ agricultural lands and the marshes by the roadways, more birdwatching is done. To see some of the 27 endemic species of the Albertine Rift, the best places to go are Volcanoes Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Gishwat – Mukura Park. If you are visiting Rwanda for a conference and have limited time, there are a lot of birding spots in the Kigali region that you may add to your list. Enjoy some amazing views of the Albertine Rift endemics while birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park, a highland forest home to over 300 bird species. Among the birds to watch out for are the gorgeous francolins, the blue-headed sunbird, the Rwenzori Turaco, and Grauer’s swamp warbler, to name a few. With the assistance of the park’s knowledgeable bird guides, you may see all of these and more from a well-maintained network of paths. About 500 different bird species can be found in Akagera National Park, a savannah area with undulating hills, lakes, wetlands, and woods. While on a Rwandan safari, you may be able to see some of the African Big 5. The park is a great place to go bird watching because it has a variety of habitats. Keep an eye out for the African fish Eagle, shelleys Francolin, sooty chat, and white-winged swamp warbler, to name a few. Certain species of birds, such the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and the Nightjar, are nocturnal. Many waterbirds can be seen in Lake Ihema while taking a boat ride; keep an eye out for the African finfoot, black crake, African jacana, tiny egret, common Moorhen, and many more. Some of the 17 Albertine Rift endemic species, which are absent other savannah parks throughout the region, can be spotted when birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park. About 200 different bird species may be found in the park, making it a worthwhile addition to your Rwandan birding trip. There are numerous birds to watch out for, such as the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, the Rwenzori apalis, the Rwenzori turacco, and the Dusky Turtle Dove. Rwanda’s newest and smallest national park is the tiny Gishwati – Mukura national park. Many efforts are being made to restore it following years of invasion. Given its little size, the woodland is unexpectedly home to over 200 different species of birds. The Grauer’s swamp warbler, purple-breasted sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, odd weaver, and numerous more birds can be seen in this area. From first-time visitors to avid bird watchers, Rwanda offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists due to the attractiveness and richness of its bird species. In Rwanda, one can go birdwatching throughout the year, with the migratory bird season spanning from December to February.

Bird watching in Rwanda.

Membership profile

Travel Info

Contact Us

Adventure in the Wild Safaris