Birding in Rwanda: Best Bird Watching Tours & Destinations

Birding in Rwanda

The main destinations for birding tours in Rwanda are Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the East and West of the country specifically. Volcanoes National Park has most of its bird species similar to those in Nyungwe but Volcanoes has the Albertine Rift Endemics and a Rwanda gorilla trekking destination. Nyungwe Forest National Park:  This is a tropical montane rainforest home to 322 bird species and as well 13 primate species. The forest offers the safest chances to see the Red-collared Babbler.

Other bird species in the Nyungwe forest include the Rwenzori Turaco, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, and many more. Rarest birds of the Nyungwe forest include the Congo Bay Owl, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Albertine Owlet.

Birdwatching in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park: Majorly a savannah park with rolling hills, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands the park is a wildlife tour destination but still offers great birding. 490 bird species have been identified within Akagera National Park. Top restricted-range bird species in Akagera include the Red-faced Barbet, this is easily seen at Akagera game lodge and Muyumbu campsite.  Some other bird species include the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Grey-crowned Cranes, White-collared Olive back, and many more. Pre-historic like Shoebill Stork can also be seen in Akagera National Park of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park:  Popular for Rwanda gorilla trekking the park is also a perfect birding Rwanda spot. 200 bird species are known to be in the area and 17 of them are Albertine Rift Endemics. Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is endemic to the park in Rwanda and when birding in the country the only chances of seeing the bird is by visiting the park and hiking to the summit of Mt Bisoke.

With its picturesque hills, lakes, wetlands, and forests, Akagera National Park is a compelling wildlife reserve in the savannah. The park provides the traditional African Big 5 safari experience while also being an excellent place to go bird watching in Rwanda due to the wide variety of habitats it has. So far, 490 different bird species have been recorded in Akagera. Compared to other regional locations, the park offers an activity that is on par. Though small in size, it offers easy access to a variety of habitats, making it a great spot to add Rwandan birds to your bucket list.

Rwanda is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to the abundance of the rare Red-faced Barbet, which is only found in certain areas. In the vicinity of Akagera Game Lodge and Muyumbu Campsite, it is easy to see. Some other notable species are the White-collared Oliveback, the stately Grey-crowned Cranes, the Papyrus Gonolek, the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and the Carruthers’ Cisticola. The Shoebill is another highly sought-after sighting because it is a common bird in the park. Not only that, but Akagera is home to a plethora of waterbirds and raptors.

Take a boat ride on Lake Ihema in Akagera for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a wide variety of waterbirds in Rwanda. If you’re staying at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, you have a great chance of seeing the African Finfoot from the terrace. Among the fascinating creatures seen on a nighttime birdwatching excursion are the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and a number of nightjar species.

Bird Watching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Located in western Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the country’s newest national park and a rehabilitation-focused area. Although it is still in its early stages of development, birdwatchers might be pleased to know that Gishwati is home to 232 species and Mukura 163. Species unique to the Albertine Rift and forest birds can be found in both regions.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Located west of Rwanda, this is the newest park in the country. The birdlife count reaches up to 232 species in the Gishwati forest and 163 bird species in Mukura Forest. The forest is a good spot for birding Rwanda’s forest birds as well as the Albertine Rift Endemics. Apart from the national parks, there are other birding hotspots all around the country. Kigali city itself is a well-vegetated city where you can spot several bird species. In Nyarutarama there are quite productive records of bird species including the White-collared Olive back and Purple Swamphen. Great sightings of water birds can be during a boat trip on Lake Ihema with birds like the African Finfoot. Birding spots also include Buhanga Sacred Forest, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhundo, Rugezi swamp, Bugesera District, and many more.

Birding Around The Shores of Lake Kivu

As you embark on your bird watching tour in Rwanda, a visit to Lake Kivu will provide a serene and tranquil rest, interspersed with exciting moments of its own. Attractive migrating birds like osprey and pied kingfishers can be seen fishing on the lake, and white-breasted cormorants thrive there as well. As you go around the lake’s perimeter, you might see some of the more common land-based bird species in Rwanda.

One of the best places to go birdwatching in Rwanda is in the grounds of a hotel in Karongi, Rubavu, or Rusizi. The Double-tooth Barbet, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, and Spot-flanked Barbet are some of the birds that visit this area often. Birdwatching in the Kinunu area is very rewarding, especially for the more common species.

Birding in Rwanda’s Wetlands and Marshes

Wetlands and marshes encircle approximately 10% of Rwanda in other regions. Important Bird Areas are designated by Birdlife International and include places like as Rugezi, Akanyaru Wetlands, and Nyabarongo Wetlands, which are popular destinations for birdwatchers.

Rugezi Marsh, close to Gicumbi in northwest Rwanda, is notable for being the only RAMSAR site in Rwanda. The Grauer’s Swamp Warbler is a common bird found there. There have been sightings of the Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Grey-crowned Cranes, and Papyrus Canaries there. If you take a boat ride around Lake Nyagafunzo, an open water area in the marsh’s southernmost tip, you can view some of the country’s most popular waterbirds up close and personal. The White-backed Duck and the Lesser Jacana are also possible sightings.

The Bugesera District, located southeast of Kigali, is home to some of Rwanda’s most accessible and spectacular wetland and lake birding spots. There is a tremendous diversity of habitats in this area, and 415 different bird species have been recorded here. Papyrus canaries, gonoleks, white-winged swamp warblers, olivebacks, lesser jacanas, and white-backed ducks can be spotted in many different locations. In 2014, after a long time with no confirmed sightings, the second and third species were reported in Rwanda. Rwanda is home to a diverse array of bird species, including the Blue-naped Mousebird, Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, African Fish Eagle, and many more waterbird and savannah species.

Birdwatching in the Heart of Kigali

Urban birdwatching in Kigali is a thrilling prospect. Spectacular birdlife can be found in hotel gardens, and the “Lover’s Lake” (Nyarutarama) on the edges of the Kigali golf course is a surefire place to see birds. If you only have a little time to spend, a visit can still be quite worthwhile.

Black cuckoo-shrike, Olive-bellied sunbird, Red-chested sunbird, Bronzy sunbirds, Narina trogon, Lesser honeyguide, Brown-backed honeybird, African swampion, Bat hawk, and White-collared oliveback are some of the unusual bird species you might see. Also, keep an eye out for the Black-headed Weaver, Rüppell’s Starling, Palm Nut Vulture, African Goshawk, Crested Barbet, and Grey-backed Fiscal.

Notably, visitors can get up close and personal with rescued Grey-crowned Cranes at Umusambi Village. The most ideal place to go birdwatching in Kigali is the restored Umusambi Village natural reserve, which is home to more than 100 different bird species. It is an ideal jumping-off place for your Rwandan birdwatching journey. The reserve’s well-developed route network makes it easy for birdwatchers to explore its meadows, bogs, shrubs, and woodlands, where they can see a diverse range of birds. You can add more than 30 species to your list after a full day of birding.

Birding in Volcanoes National Park: More Than Just Gorillas

Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s tallest peak, Mount Karisimbi, is surrounded by both active and dormant volcanoes, which are covered in lush vegetation. Not only is the park home to the world-famous Mountain Gorillas, but it is also a fantastic spot for birdwatchers, with over 200 different bird species to see. Of these, seventeen are unique to the Albertine Rift Endemics category.

If you’ve been to Nyungwe National Park, you’ve seen birds like this. However, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to the fascinating Scarlet-Tufted Sunbird. A hike to the top of Mount Bisoke is your best bet if you want to see this magnificent bird in the wild. Rwanda is already a popular destination for birdwatchers, but the park’s proximity to a number of lakes might entice them to take a fun detour. If you’re lucky enough to see an African Pitta during its yearly migration, you might want to head over to the nearby Buhanga Eco-Park.

Birding in Nyungwe National Park

In addition to its rare flora and fauna, the verdant tropical highland rainforest of Nyungwe National Park is home to an astounding 322 bird species and 13 kinds of primates. This park is home to 29 bird species that are found nowhere else. The world-famous Red-collared Babbler is one of the most spectacular birds in the world, and Rwanda is the only place where you can see them safely. Various species of sunbirds, the Rwenzori nightjar, the Handsome Francolin, the Grauer’s warbler, and the Rwenzori turaco are among the other notable discoveries. All of these and more can be easily spotted by birdwatchers thanks to the knowledgeable bird guides and the well-kept trail system.

The Kungwe Apalis, the Kivu Ground Thrush, and the Willard’s Sooty Boubou are all birds that can be seen with patience and a little luck. Rare and seldom seen species of Nyungwe include the elusive Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird. A new opportunity to see the park’s elusive nighttime animals is coming soon: night treks in Nyungwe.

Birding is good throughout the year but the best time for seeing forest birds is during the dry season. These are the months from October-November and March to May. During this time forest birding is at its best and migratory birds are present. In this season plants are flowering and attract many birds. The rainy season is also the best time for chimpanzee trekking and therefore tailoring your Rwanda tour with birding and chimp trekking is perfect. The dry season is from the months of June to September. Rwanda birding tours are indeed rewarding bird-watching safaris that can be done within a short period of time. Birding Rwanda can be tailored with all other kinds of tour activities in the country for instance wildlife tours or mountain gorilla trekking.

Bird Watching Rwanda Tourism

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