This comprehensive 12-day tour explores Rwanda’s premier birding and wildlife destinations. Though geographically compact, the country hosts a prolific list of approximately 750 bird species. The itinerary efficiently covers four major Important Bird Areas (IBAs), showcasing a diverse range of habitats including savannah, wetlands, mountains, and forest.
The tour is led by an experienced birding guide, supplemented by expert local site guides to maximize your viewing opportunities and deepen your understanding of the region’s ecology.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Rwanda
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your birding guide and taken to your hotel to unwind. If you arrive in the morning, you can participate in a birding tour in Kigali in the afternoon. You will visit Lake Nyarutarama and its adjacent woods, renowned for their rich birdlife, allowing you to observe several local species.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Transfer to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Boat Ride
Following breakfast, you will embark on a drive to Akagera National Park, the only area in Rwanda featuring savanna ecosystems. Home to over 525 registered bird species, it boasts the highest avian diversity among all protected regions in the country. The park’s various habitats, which include savannah, mountains, and swamps, contribute to this extensive bird list. Your birding adventure will allow you to spot numerous savanna birds, raptors, and waterfowl.
Upon entering the park from the southern entrance, you will enjoy a game drive through the acacia-dominated forests and brush in this area of Akagera. After lunch, you will take a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you may observe water birds alongside hippos and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Full Day Birding and Safari in Akagera National Park
You will rise early for a full day of birdwatching and safari in Akagera National Park, exploring various trails for more bird and wildlife sightings.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Another Full Day of Birding and Safari in Akagera, Overnight in the North of the Park
Today, you will continue your birding journey in Akagera, heading towards the savanna-rich northern region, which is expected to yield even more bird species and wildlife sightings than the south. Your route will take you to the Kilala plains, the park’s primary animal observation area, where various grazers flock to feed.
You will spend the night in the north, overlooking the Kilala plains.
Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Morning Birding in Akagera and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will undertake an early morning birding excursion in the Kilala plains, the perfect time to possibly see lions and other cat species on the hunt. After breakfast, you will check out and make your way to Volcanoes National Park, located in the mountainous northern region of Rwanda.
Accommodation: Ingagi Park View Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Birdwatching in Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
On this day, you will dedicate your time to birdwatching in Rugezi Swamp, renowned for both water birds and garden species. Notably, Rugezi Swamp holds the distinction of being Rwanda’s only RAMSAR wetland. It is home to 43 resident bird species, including several that are globally threatened and one endemic to the Albertine Rift: the Rauer’s Swamp Warbler, which you might have a chance to see. Additional species to look for include the Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Grey-crowned Crane, and Carruther’s Cisticola, among others. The nearby gardens and settlements will also enrich your list with various garden bird species.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park
Today, you will embark on a birdwatching excursion on the slopes of the stunning Virunga Mountains. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga chain and has recorded approximately 200 bird species, with 15 of those being Albertine Rift endemics. You will traverse through bamboo and Hagenia forests on Mount Bisoke, allowing you to observe numerous endemic species as well as mountain-specific birds. While on the trail, you may also encounter wildlife such as gorillas, golden monkeys, and duikers.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Optional Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes and Travel to Nyungwe
Today, you will make your way to Nyungwe National Park located in southern Rwanda.
Optional Activity
You have the opportunity to partake in a golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park before heading to Nyungwe. These beautiful golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and reside in the bamboo forests at the foot of the Virunga Mountains. The trek is relatively easy, and you may come across a large troop of up to 100 individuals within 30 minutes. You will have one hour to spend with them, which is excellent for photography.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today marks the beginning of your birdwatching journey in Nyungwe National Park. This park protects a mountain forest that dates back to the ice age. Roughly 310 bird species have been documented in Nyungwe, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics, the highest concentration of endemics in any African park. Starting your exploration from Gisakura, you will take the Kamiranzovu trail.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park
Another full day is set aside for birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park, where you will explore a different trail, adding to your bird list and glimpsing more primate species.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park
On this day, the focus will be on chimpanzee tracking within Nyungwe National Park, which is famous for its diverse primate population, featuring 13 recorded species, including chimpanzees. There are around 500 chimps in Nyungwe, with two habituated groups available for tracking. Your day will begin at 4:30 AM with a meeting at Gisakura ranger station, followed by a briefing before your journey to the chimpanzee trekking point. After this remarkable experience with these close relatives, you will return to the lodge for lunch or some rest before heading out for afternoon birdwatching.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Canopy Walk in Nyungwe and Transfer to Kigali for Your Evening Flight
After breakfast and checking out, you will partake in the canopy walk adventure in Nyungwe National Park. This tour begins at Uwinka park office, where you’ll traverse the Igishigishigi trail leading to the canopy walkway. Suspended 50 meters above the ground, the walkway provides breathtaking views of the mountain forest and opportunities for eye-level encounters with chimps and various bird species in the canopy.
After the canopy walk, you will depart for Kigali to catch your evening flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch.
Trips includes
- Tour car and tour driver driver/guide
- Professional birding guide (may double as the driver)
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All activities in the itinerary
- Drinking water
Trips excludes
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, curio purchases
