Comprehensive birding tours in Rwanda focus on discovering the country’s endemic, forest, savannah, wetland and woodland-dwelling species of beautiful feathered beauties in some of the main bird hot spots. With over 703 species, it is without doubt that remarkable Rwanda is one of Africa’s most pleasurable birding destinations.
First, Rwanda undeniably offers the best African Montane Birding experience ever encountered which when combined with the beautiful road network, security and safety in the country as well as wide range of natural habitats makes it a must-visit safari destination. As of 2018, a total of 703 birds were recorded in Rwanda, of which 29 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley while many others are endemic to the Lake Victoria basin as well as the Afro-tropical highland biome. While most birders put attention on only Akagera National Park in the East, Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south-west and Volcanoes National Park in the north-west, it would interest you to know that the entire country offers excellent birding opportunities. Therefore, the following are the top birding spots in spectacular Rwanda;
Akagera National Park
Extending for about 1122 square kilometers, Rwanda largest Protected Area in the name of Akagera National Park is marked by diverse ecosystem-Lakes, savannah grasslands, wetlands, rolling hills and woodlands that offer shelter to about 500 bird species, the highest in the entire country.
The red-faced barbet is the most sought-after bird in this Park but other species to look-out for are the grey-crowned cranes, Northern brown throated weavers, shoebill storks, white-winged swamp warbler, Papyrus gonolek, Carruthers’s Cisticola and so much more. Travellers with planned boat trips through this Park can expect to come across African fish eagles, pied and malachite kingfishers as well as African finfoot while the Verreaux’s eagle owls and many other nightjars can be sighted during night game drives.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Set in the south-west of Rwanda, the 980-square kilometer Nyungwe Forest National Park is a typical Tropical montane rainforest that offers shelter to about 320 bird species, 29 of which are endemic to the Park. It is known as a stronghold for the Red-collared babblers in the country although other must-see species are the Neumann’s warblers, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Handsome francolin, Regal sunbirds, Rwenzori nightjar and many others that can be spotted easily from the different hiking trails of the Park.
However, it takes luck to come across the Albertine Owlet, Kungwe Apalis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Congo Bay owls, Kivu ground thrush, Rockefeller’s sunbirds, Willard’s Sooty Boubou and others.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda is a fortress for the endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda but is also a wonderful destination for birding tours with over 200 species to look-out for. Of these, 17 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and others such as Scarlet-tufted sunbirds are endemic to the Park. Also expect to see the Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, Baglafecht weavers, Dusky turtle doves, Lagden’s bush shrike, strange weavers, Rwenzori batis, Blue-spotted wood doves, Rwenzori Apalis, Archer’s Robinchat, Rwenzori nightjar, Dusky Crimsonwing and others.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Set in the west of Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a beautiful mountainous area above Lake Kivu. This is the smallest and newest Protected Area in the country formed by merging Gishwati and Mukura forests with 232 and 163 bird species respectively. Expect sights and sounds of Mountain yellow warblers, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Rwenzori Turaco, Martial Eagles, Regal sunbirds, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, strange weavers and many others.
Kigali City
Has the idea of urban birding ever crossed your mind? If yes, then try out Kigali City where lush hotel gardens and Nyarutarama Lake are good birding spots. Notable species are the grey-crowned cranes, African Goshawk, Narina Trogon, Grey-backed Fiscal, Black-headed weavers, Red-chested sunbirds, Ruppell’s starling, Grey-headed Bushrike, to mention but a few.
Lake Kivu
Birding Tours in Rwanda also involve visiting Lake Kivu, the largest Lake in the country for more relaxed and refreshing experiences while spotting feathered beauties. This stunning Lake offers shelter to the Osprey, white-breasted cormorants, malachite and pied kingfishers, Double-tooth barbets, Brown-throated wattle-eye, Spot-flanked barbets, African finfoot and Familiar chat among others. Besides the shores of this Lake, lush gardens around Rusizi, Karongi and Rubavu are excellent birding spots.
Wetlands and Marshes
The different wetlands and marshlands that cover 10% of Rwanda’s landscape are wonderful birding places but the notable ones are Nyabarongo, Rugezi and Akanyaru. Rugezi is a recognized Ramsar site found in north-western Rwanda at a stone throw from Gicumbi with species such as lesser jacana, Papyrus canary, Papyrus yellow warblers, African jacana and grey-crowned cranes among others. Bugesera district in the south-east of the Capital also features a number of verdant wetlands and Lakes that shelter different bird species that include white-collared Olive backs, African fish eagles, Palmnut cultures, Red-chested sunbirds, white-winged swamp warblers and many others.
When is the best time to undertake Birding Tours in Rwanda?
Birding Tours in Rwanda can be undertaken throughout the year but lots of migrant species are spotted in the months of April and November (rainy season). Since most birding destination in Rwanda are heavily forested, the best time is therefore the dry season when on-foot tours are easy to embark on.
