Embark on the ultimate African adventure with our 16-Day Rwanda Birding and Wildlife Safari! This meticulously crafted journey takes you through Rwanda’s most stunning landscapes, from misty rainforests to vast savannahs. Discover why this “Land of a Thousand Hills” is a world-class destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Your Rwandan Adventure Awaits:
- 🦜 Birding Paradise: Explore a spectacular variety of habitats—each offering a unique and rich tapestry of birdlife.
- 🐒 Wildlife Encounters: Go beyond birds! Encounter iconic primates and the famous Big Five on thrilling game drives and treks.
- 🌄 Breathtaking Scenery: Journey through Rwanda’s diverse biomes, each more beautiful than the last.
Why Rwanda is a Birder’s Dream 🌍
Despite its compact size, Rwanda is a giant in the birding world! It is endowed with:
- Over 750 recorded bird species
- 29 of the 40+ highly sought-after Albertine Rift Endemics
- Over 130 Palearctic and Intra-African Migrants (peak season: September to April)
Your 16-day expedition is perfectly timed to maximize sightings!
Your Journey Through Rwanda’s Biomes:
This comprehensive safari is designed to cover all of Rwanda’s Important Birding Areas (IBAs) and most productive birding spots. You will explore:
- Lake Victoria Basin
- Lake Victoria Savanna
- Afro-tropical Highlands
- Guinea-Congo Rainforests
More Than Just a Safari—A Guided Expertise
Your adventure is led by expertise every step of the way:
- Expert Bird Guide: Your personal, qualified, and experienced guide ensures you don’t miss a single feather.
- Local Location Guides: Benefit from intimate, on-the-ground knowledge at each birding destination.
Perfect For: Avid birders, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers seeking an immersive and unforgettable East African experience.
Highlights of the tour
Day 1 – Arrive in Rwanda and begin birdwatching in Kigali
Day 2 – Enjoy a full day of birding in the Nyabarongo wetlands and Bugesera District forest
Day 3 – Journey to Akagera National Park for birdwatching and a wildlife safari
Day 4 – Spend a full day on a birding safari in Akagera National Park
Day 5 – Continue with another day of birdwatching and safari in Akagera National Park
Day 6 – Conclude birding in Akagera and transfer back to Kigali
Day 7 – Travel to Musanze in northern Rwanda and birdwatch in Buhanga Forest
Day 8 – Birding at Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
Day 9 – Trekking in volcanoes and birding in Volcanoes National Park (IBA)
Day 10 – Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 11 – Move to Gishwati-Mukura National Park for an entire day of birdwatching in Gishwati Forest
Day 12 – Travel to Nyungwe National Park and enjoy a canopy walk
Day 13 – Engage in birdwatching in Nyungwe, visiting Gisakura, Karamba, and Kamiranzovu Marsh
Day 14 – Continue birding in Nyungwe along the Mt. Bigugu trail
Day 15 – Participate in optional chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Day 16 – Return to Kigali for your departure flight
Itinerary in details
Day 1 – Arrival in Rwanda and birding in Kigali
Arriving early in Rwanda, you will meet your driver and bird guide before heading to your hotel. After an informative briefing from the Our team, you’ll embark on a day of birdwatching in Kigali, offering you your first glimpse of the diverse avian species in the country. A prime location to begin your birding journey is Umusambi Village, a newly established wildlife sanctuary and Kigali’s first. This sanctuary was created mainly to provide a refuge for endangered Grey-crowned Cranes rescued from captivity. The restored wetland, featuring diverse habitats, is home to a variety of bird species. As you walk along the well-maintained trails, keep an eye out for notable birds such as the White-collared Oliveback, a special find in the area, along with others like the Green-winged Pytilia, Lesser Honeyguide, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Spot-flanked Barbet, Purple-crested Turaco, and African Firefinch among others.
Note: Arriving a day earlier can give you an additional full day for birding in Kigali.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (midrange)
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Comprehensive birding in the Nyabarongo wetlands and forest in Bugesera District
Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a full day of birdwatching in the wetlands, forests, and woodlands of Bugesera District, located just outside of Kigali. Depart at dawn and explore the Nyabarongo River Wetlands (IBA) where you will observe various wetland bird species. Following this, head to the Gashora lakes in Ngoma to seek out noteworthy species such as the Papyrus Gonolek and the White-winged Swamp Warbler, both of which are endemic to the Lake Victoria Biome. After lunch, continue birding in forested areas and fields for the remainder of the day, returning to Kigali as the sun sets.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3 – Journey to Akagera National Park for birdwatching and wildlife safari
After an early breakfast, you will travel to the east of Rwanda for a birdwatching and wildlife safari in Akagera National Park. This park is unique in Rwanda as it houses the only savanna habitat in an otherwise mountainous region. Recognized as an internationally significant IBA, Akagera National Park is home to over 525 bird species, accounting for two-thirds of Rwanda’s birds. The park offers an array of savanna, woodland, and wetland species, and during the months from September to April, it is a hotspot for many Palearctic migrants.
During your journey to the park, keep an eye out for birds as you pass through agricultural areas and villages.
Upon entering Akagera National Park, you will immediately start birdwatching, welcomed by the songs of the Little Rush Warbler. Navigate the game circuits after your entrance, recording the birds you observe. The region near the entrance is characterized by acacia thickets, woodlands, and some grasslands and wetlands. You will also have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including zebras, antelopes, monkeys, and potentially rhinos found in this area of the park.
Later in the evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema, the largest lake within Akagera National Park. Anticipate sightings of numerous water-associated birds such as the African Jacana, Swamp Flycatcher, African Fish Eagle, and migrating species like the Wood and Common Sandpiper. You may also encounter aquatic wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Full day birding safari in Akagera National Park
Rise by 6 AM, enjoy a quick breakfast, and prepare for a full day of birding and safari within Akagera National Park. The day will be spent exploring the southern lower areas of the park, characterized by dense acacia thickets, woodlands, lush grasslands, and lakeshores. The Red-faced Barbet, an East African endemic and a highlight of Akagera, should be among your observations. As the day progresses, you will venture further north into the rockier terrain, continuing to catalog various birds and wildlife.
As night falls, search for Nightjars and other nocturnal species to conclude your birding day.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (upmarket)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 – Another day of birding and safari in Akagera National Park
Experience another rewarding day of birding and safari in Akagera National Park as you explore the northern section known for its wetlands, which provide the best chances to spot the rare Shoebill, although sightings can be elusive. The expansive savannah plains are ideal for observing a variety of wildlife. This area, rich in grassland, hosts many herbivores, attracting predators such as lions and hyenas. The Kilala Plains serve as the main wildlife viewing area in Akagera National Park, where a diverse array of savannah birds can be recorded.
After your day of birding, spend the night in the northern part of the park, with views overlooking the picturesque Kilala plains.
Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp (upmarket)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6 – Birding in Akagera and transfer to Kigali
Today begins with an early morning game drive in Kilala Plains, where you will have the best opportunities for spotting birds and observing animals like lions, giraffes, elephants, and various antelope grazing in the scenic plains.
Following your exploration, check out and journey back to Kigali.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (midrange)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Journey to Musanze and Birdwatching in Buhanga Forest
Following breakfast, you will check out and embark on a journey to the northern mountains, specifically the renowned Virunga mountains, which are part of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This drive will take approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will engage in birdwatching in Buhanga Forest, located in Musanze, to begin your exploration of forest avifauna. Although this forest does not host any Albertine rift endemics, you’ll be on the lookout for various other forest bird species.
Accommodation: Ingagi Park View Lodge (midrange)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Birdwatching at Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
Today will be dedicated to birdwatching at Rugezi Swamp, recognized as one of Rwanda’s Important Birding Areas. This wetland is crucial for species that thrive in such habitats. Rugezi Swamp is home to one Albertine rift endemic, the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, which will be your primary target for the day. Additionally, you can expect to enhance your bird list by exploring the surrounding gardens and bush habitats.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Trekking and Birding in Volcanoes National Park (IBA)
You are set to explore the magnificent Virunga Mountains today. After breakfast, you’ll travel to Volcanoes National Park for birdwatching. Approximately 200 bird species have been recorded in the park, including around 15 Albertine rift endemics and several specialized mountain birds. You will trek through varying forest habitats, from bamboo to hagenia, along the mountains, searching for high-altitude birds while also witnessing the unique mountain ecosystem. Your trekking route will lead you to Lake Ngezi on Mount Bisoke, where you may spot several Albertine rift endemic birds and potentially some aquatic species around the lake.
Optional activities:
Gorilla trekking: Today, you have the option to partake in gorilla trekking within Volcanoes National Park.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Rise early for breakfast at 6:30 AM and travel to the Kinigi park offices to meet your rangers for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. The trek to locate a habituated troop of over 100 golden monkeys will lead you through bamboo forests at the base of Mt. Sabinyo Volcano. It’s a light and relatively short trek, where you will spend about an hour observing these lively and photogenic primates. After the trek, you will head to the town of Gisenyi located on Lake Kivu. Depending on your interests, you might enjoy some birdwatching along the shores of Lake Kivu, where the vibrant Southern Red Bishop is commonly spotted.
Accommodation: Paradise Kivu (midrange)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Transfer to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Full Day Birding in Gishwati Forest
You will check out by 6:30 AM and drive to Gishwati Forest, a part of Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which is Rwanda’s newest national park and located about 1.5 hours from Gisenyi. This park features 17 confirmed Albertine rift endemic bird species, providing a solid start to your exploration of endemic birds before you continue to Nyungwe Forest, where even more diverse birdlife awaits! You will spend the day birdwatching in Gishwati Forest and will stay overnight at Forest of Hope Guest House Gishwati.
Accommodation: Forest of Hope Guest House (midrange)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 12 – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walk Tour**
After enjoying an early breakfast, you will head to Nyungwe Forest National Park, situated in southwestern Rwanda. This park is recognized as an Important Birding Area (IBA), featuring around 310 bird species, making it particularly renowned for its abundance of Albertine Rift endemics—at least 27 species out of approximately 40 that exist. This makes it the leading location for Albertine endemics in any park within the African segment of the Albertine Rift Valley.
To fully experience the diverse wildlife, you will spend a minimum of three full days birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest, exploring multiple walking trails. If time permits, additional days can be arranged to enhance your experience.
Nyungwe National Park is also home to a significant variety of primate species, with 13 documented, including chimpanzees. Certain troops of chimpanzees and monkeys have been habituated to tourism, offering optional activities to enjoy in between birding sessions. A favorite activity here is chimpanzee trekking, and various monkey species can also be spotted along the birding trails.
Your journey will take you along the scenic Congo–Nile Trail, skirting Lake Kivu and revealing beautiful views of the lush countryside and the rolling landscape.
Upon arriving at the park around noon, you’ll embark on the Nyungwe canopy walk adventure departing from the Uwinka park headquarters. This two-hour experience is a highlight of the tour, providing striking views across the mountain forest and access to the forest canopy, where you may see various birds and monkeys.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge (midrange)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Birding in Nyungwe: Gisakura – Karamba – Kamiranzovu Marsh
After an early breakfast, you will report to the Gisakura ranger post to kick off your birding adventure in Nyungwe Forest. Your visit to Kamiranzovu Marsh may unveil the elusive Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, an Albertine Rift endemic. Additionally, exploring the birding trails around Gisakura will provide ample opportunities to spot Nyungwe Forest specialties, including several Albertine Rift endemic birds and various monkey species.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Birding in Nyungwe: Mt. Bigugu Trail
Today, you will embark on another full day dedicated to birding in Nyungwe National Park. This time, you will traverse a different trail leading to Mt. Bigugu, the park’s highest point at 2,950 meters. This trail is known for its rich diversity of Albertine Rift endemics, including species frequently observed such as Neumann’s Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Strip-breasted Tit, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Regal Sunbird. Other notable species to keep an eye out for include the Olive Woodpecker and Mountain Buzzard.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – Optional Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
You have the option today to partake in chimpanzee trekking within Nyungwe National Park. This excursion begins at 5 AM, departing from the Gisakura area. You will track the chimpanzees in the Cyamudongo forest, a smaller section detached from the main Nyungwe forest yet still part of the national park. This trekking experience concludes by noon, allowing for additional birding later in the day if desired.
If you choose not to go on the chimpanzee trek, you can instead enjoy another full day of birding, exploring more trails and discovering the wealth of wildlife that remains.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 – Transfer to Kigali for Your Flight
Today, you will transfer back to Kigali to catch your flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Trips includes/excludes
- 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
