BIRDWATCHING IN RWANDA.
Birdwatching in Rwanda is one of the best experiences for nature enthusiasts and a must-do activity for visitors with more than a day to explore this stunning country. Rwanda is home to over 750 bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatching tours in Africa. Despite its small size, with an area of just 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda boasts the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer in Africa, offering unparalleled opportunities to discover unique and rare species.
Rwanda is particularly renowned for its Albertine Rift endemic bird species, which attract birding enthusiasts from all over the world. One of the best places for birdwatching in Rwanda is the vast Afromontane forest of Nyungwe National Park, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. This pristine forest is a haven for birders, with highlights including sightings of the Albertine owlet, collared apalis, red-collared mountain-babbler, and the elusive Grauer’s and Neumann’s warblers.
Beyond Nyungwe, birders can explore other exceptional locations like Akagera National Park, where wetlands and savannahs provide habitats for species such as the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and African fish eagle. The serene shores of Lake Kivu and the lush landscapes of Volcanoes National Park also offer incredible birdwatching opportunities. With a mix of habitats ranging from montane forests to open savannahs and wetlands, Rwanda ensures a diverse and rewarding experience for birdwatchers.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious about Rwanda’s natural beauty, birdwatching in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience. Guided birding tours, often led by knowledgeable local guides, help visitors spot and identify rare species while learning about the conservation efforts protecting these avian treasures. Adding birdwatching to your Rwanda safari itinerary is a perfect way to experience the country’s incredible biodiversity.
From Nyungwe’s misty forests to Akagera’s shimmering wetlands, Rwanda’s birdlife is as vibrant as its landscapes.
Birdwatching in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwest Rwanda along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a birding paradise and a must-visit for any birdwatching safari in Rwanda. The park is contiguous with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park, forming part of the vast Virunga Massif. Originally gazetted in 1925 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas from poaching, Volcanoes National Park is also home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with over 165 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift endemics.
Birdwatchers visiting Volcanoes National Park can spot rare species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and Dusky Crimsonwing, among others. In addition to birding, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Virunga volcanoes—Mikeno, Karisimbi, and Bisoke—and the unparalleled opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Combining birdwatching in Rwanda with a gorilla trekking experience makes Volcanoes National Park an essential stop on any Rwanda safari itinerary.
Birdwatching in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park, located in southwest Rwanda near Lake Kivu, is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in East Africa and a premier destination for birdwatching in Rwanda. The park protects the region’s largest remaining montane rainforest, which is part of the Congo-Nile watershed and rises to elevations of 2,600–2,900 meters.
Home to over 310 bird species, Nyungwe National Park is a critical site for birding enthusiasts, particularly those seeking Albertine Rift endemics. Visitors can spot spectacular species such as the Regal Sunbird, Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, and the elusive Albertine Owlet. Guided birding tours in Nyungwe allow visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine rainforest while uncovering the secrets of these rare and vibrant species.
Nyungwe’s breathtaking landscapes, combined with opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and other nature activities, make it one of the most rewarding destinations for birdwatching safaris in Rwanda.
Birdwatching in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park
Situated in the northeast of Rwanda along the Akagera River, Akagera National Park offers a unique birdwatching experience in its mosaic of wetlands, savannahs, and lakes. Unlike the montane forests of Volcanoes and Nyungwe, Akagera’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary to a wide variety of wetland and savannah bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatching tours in Rwanda.
The park is home to over 480 bird species, including sought-after wetland birds such as the Carruther’s Cisticola, Papyrus Canary, and the striking Papyrus Gonolek. The wetlands are also one of the best places to spot the iconic Shoebill, a bucket-list bird for many birding enthusiasts. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer an excellent opportunity to observe these species up close, alongside hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
Combining birding with wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park creates a well-rounded experience, showcasing Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems and remarkable avian treasures.
More than 525 species of birds are found in the park, some of the most sought after birds of Akagera are: Red-faced Barbet, Sousa’s Shrike, White-collared Oliveback.
Birdwatching in Rwanda: Cyamudongo Forest
Cyamudongo Forest, a small but biodiversity-rich forest in Rwanda, is an excellent destination for birdwatching in Rwanda. The forest is home to a variety of bird species, including four species from the Guinea-Congo forests biome, eight of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic species, and 33 of the 74 species of the Afrotropical Highlands biome that occur in Rwanda. Birdwatchers visiting Cyamudongo can expect to see rare and vibrant species while exploring this lush and secluded forest.
In addition to birding, Cyamudongo Forest is home to other fascinating wildlife, including chimpanzees, colorful butterflies, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an essential stop for nature enthusiasts and birdwatching safaris in Rwanda.
Accommodation Options for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Universal Ventures Rwanda has carefully selected the best accommodations for your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, ensuring comfort and convenience for every budget.
- Luxury Lodges:
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Situated high on a hill, this lodge offers breathtaking views, cozy rooms with fireplaces, and exceptional service, making it a top choice for a luxury experience.
- Virunga Lodge: A stunning eco-lodge known for its scenic beauty, although it’s about an hour’s drive from the trek starting point.
- Midrange Lodges:
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: A practical option for those on a medium budget, offering spacious rooms and a convenient location close to the trekking base.
- Budget Lodges:
- Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge: A comfortable and affordable option, ideal for travelers seeking modest accommodations without compromising on essential amenities.
When planning a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, choosing accommodations close to the trek starting point is crucial, as the treks often begin early in the morning.
Wildlife and Birding in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is not only famous for its world-renowned gorilla trekking in Rwanda, but it is also a haven for other wildlife and a top spot for birdwatching in Rwanda. The park is home to a variety of birds, golden monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, offering visitors a complete Rwanda safari experience. Birders can explore the park’s habitats to spot Albertine Rift endemics and other rare species, while wildlife enthusiasts enjoy encounters with primates and other creatures.
In addition to golden monkey trekking and gorilla safaris, Volcanoes National Park is the ultimate gateway for Rwanda gorilla safaris, as it shelters the largest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. The park’s convenient location—just a two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport—makes it the most accessible gorilla trekking destination in the world.
With its incredible biodiversity, unique bird species, and world-class gorilla trekking opportunities, Rwanda offers an unparalleled safari experience in East Africa. Let Universal Ventures Rwanda help you plan your adventure, from birdwatching tours in Rwanda to luxury safaris and everything in between.
Visit the Rwanda Directorate general of Immigration and Emigration : https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=28 which takes you to a visa application form which picks your personal information.
Depending on your travel plans, choose the best visa choice available;
– Single entry visa – allows entry in Rwanda alone for 30 days – 50 USD
– Transit Visa for 3 days – only you in the country for only 3 days – 50USD
– East African Tourists Visa – Allows you to cross to all East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda – 100 USD
The supporting document to attach is your tour Itinerary if traveling to visit Rwanda, Invitation letter, other document with respect to your travel intentions or your flight details in PDF format. You MUST ATTACH documentation at this stage or the visa request will not be processed.
Price of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
– $1500 – Non-Africans
– 30% Discount (US$ 1,050) on gorilla permits if visiting other Rwanda National Parks (Akagera national park, Nyungwe national park) for 3 days and more during the low season of November – May
– 15% discount (US$ 1,275) on conference guests who stay pre & post MICE events to see gorillas
– $15,000 for Private Gorilla Trekking of an entire group with an exclusive personalized tour guide service
– $ 30,000 for a minimum of 3 visitors for 3 consecutive days (Behind the scenes)
- Have a small backpack as it is useful to carry your water, packed lunch, camera and binoculars.
- You need light weight hiking boots for this activity/strong waterproof walking boots due to nature and altitude of the forest. So get shoes that have good ankle support (the ones that come above the ankle bone).
- Take a light jumper and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers as temperature is variable and weather conditions can change
- Lightweight long wool socks which are comfortable for a mountain tropical forest.
Plan your birdwatching safari in Rwanda with Universal Ventures Rwanda to enjoy expertly guided tours, discover Albertine Rift endemics, and explore some of the most breathtaking birding spots in East Africa.
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