7 days birding safari in Rwanda

7 Days Rwanda Bird Watching Safari

In this 7-days birding adventure, keep track of the numerous bird species found on the African continent, beginning with those found in Rwanda. You will identify the Republic of Rwanda’s 703 bird species. There are surprises in all of the places you’ll go, and there are roughly 23 endemic species to the Albertine Rift Valley among the resident species. You’ll go to four different birding areas in the north, east, west, and south of the country. You’ll visit the swamps, wetlands, and various national parks in search of birds and other wildlife. The journey brings you to Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake.

Day 1: Arrival at the Kigali city Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport,you will meet our driver guide and transfer to Akagera National Park 135km about 2 ½ – 3 hours drive. You check in at the lodge en route in Rwamagana and proceed to the park for an afternoon birding experience.Akagera boosts over 525 bird species both savannah birds and water birds. This is because River Akagera passes in the park supplying water to the wildlife and Lake Ihema

Day 2: Full day birding in Akagera National park

Transfer early in the morning to Akagera National Park for an exciting birding encounter. Traverse the impressive savannah landscapes gaining possible views of birds and general wildlife. In the afternoon, you take up the boat ride on Lake Ihema gaining possibilities of viewing more birds and aquatics like Crocodiles and Hippos. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Day 3:Transfer to  Nyungwe National Park

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, then drive to the west to Nyungwe National park  for around 5-6 hours, admiring the undulating hills, dotted homesteads, and more. You’ll stop at the King’s Palace to learn more about Rwandan culture and the people. As you continue on your magnificent trip to Nyungwe National Park, lunch will be served. Afternoon arrival at your hotel, followed by refreshments, dinner, and a relaxing snooze.

Day 4: Full day bird watching

Have breakfast before heading to the birding trail with an expert birding guide for an endless birdwatching experience.Move in a good mood by watching the birds and identifying the different kinds by their names and distinguishing characteristics.  About 322 bird species and 13 monkey species live in Nyungwe Tropical Montane rainforest. The Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauers swamp warbler, Breasted sunbirds, Kivu, and other birds to look out for in this haven. The first birding session will take place in the morning, and the second will take place in the evening, when the birds are nesting. After dinner, you’ll call it a day at the resort, with a peaceful nap.

Day 5:Bird Watching at Lake Kivu 

Begin the day with  breakfast at the lodge and transfer to Lake Kivu. Several birds will be flying and playing in the marshes and swamps on the lake. These woodlands, and marshes are located along Lake Kivu’s shoreline and are home to a variety of aquatic bird species as well as indigenous species. You’ll spend about 3-4 hours looking for birds before returning to the resort for supper and an overnight stay. Double-toothed Barbet, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, common chat, yellow-bellied waxbill, and others are among the famous birds here

Day 6:Birding in Volcanoes National park

Start birding in Volcanoes National Park this morning after breakfast. Start with a briefing and then follow demarcated birding trails leading to the forest to spot famous bird residents here.

With the help of the bird guide from the park, you will spot birds like Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double – collared Sunbird, handsome francolin, strange weaver and dusky crimson-wing.Volcanoes national park offers good birding potential and 200 bird species are known from this area, among these are 17 Albertine Rift Endemics.

Day 7:Transfer back to Kigali

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and make your way to Kigali International Airport for your departure.This marks the end of the 7 days birding safari in Rwanda