Birding safaris in Rwanda – Complete guides for bird watching safaris in Rwanda.

Rwanda, with its tiny size compared to neighbouring countries, posses as one of the best birding destinations in the whole of Africa. The country is home to over 700 bird species and a concentration of Albertine rift valley endemics, making Rwanda a perfect destination for birding Safaris. Birding Sites in Rwanda include wetlands, Forests,  lake shores, highlands, and National parks.

Top birding destinations in Rwanda.

Nyungwe Forest, also known as the forest birding Capital is a montane rain forest and home to almost 300 recorded bird species, some of them Albertine Rift endemics. Some of these species include Kivu Ground Thrush, Rockfeller Sunbird, and the Rwenzori Turocco, among others. The forest is known for mostly Forest species and marked with various birding trails that make it a great experience while walking through the forest on your birding Safari.

Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park’s composition of Savannah Vegetation, Lakes, and papyrus Vegetations supports hundreds of bird species, such as Papyrus Gandels, Shoebills, among others. While on a birding Safari in Rwanda, expect to see several bird Species such as raptors, rollers, waterfowl, and so many classic East African Savannah Species sighted, especially in early morning game drives through Akagera National Park.

Volcanoes and Gishwati – Mukura Areas.

A birding Safari near the Virungas and highland mosaics will expose you to mostly forest edge Species and Mountain or Highland species.

Important to note also is the fact that a Birding Safari around the Virunga highlands also gives you the chance to combine birding with either a cultural encounter or combine birding with gorilla trekking.

Other birding destinations in Rwanda include Kigali wetlands, small reserves, and the shores of Lake Kivu. Short tips from Kigali to nearby wetlands, lake shores, and swamps will expose you to encounters with migrant birds and water birds on either your arrival day or your departure day.

Best time to go for a Birding Safari in Rwanda.

Birding Safaris in Rwanda can be conducted all year round from January to January. But timing affects what you will see depending on the seasons.

The long dry season that runs from June to September is the best time to go for a birding Safari in Rwanda. During these Months of the year, the trucks are dry and easier to navigate while on the Safari.

December to February is a dry season, but short and also excellent for a birding Safari in Rwanda.

The months of March to May and October to November make up the Wet/Shoulder Season in Rwanda. During this season, the forest trails are slippery and abit of impassable; however, there is a very high influx of migratory birds and high levels of breeding activity, making it a great part of the year to go for a birding Safari in Rwanda.

A simple 3 Day Birding Safari itinerary in Rwanda.

Day 01: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest Birding in the Afternoon.

You will meet a safari guide from Katland Safaris for a briefing about your Birding Safari. You will then transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park reaching in the  Afternoon, and walk on the Gisakura Trail in search of forest species

Day 02: Full Day Birding in Nyungwe.

You will wake up very early in the morning for breakfast and then go for a whole day of Birding in Nyungwe. You will have a canopy walk in search of canopy species. You will take the Kamiranzovu or Bigugu trails. You have the option of going for a night Bird Safari for tight jars and Owlets.

Day 03: Transfer to Lake Kivu / Kiguli wetlands or to Akagera National Park.

On the third day of your birding Safari, you can choose from several options.

Option A: You can choose to transfer to Akagera National Park for a game drive and Wetland birding.

Option B: You can choose to take a short trip to Lake Kivu for shore birds and migratory birds before your departure flight. This Safari can be customized to add extra days and also include other birding destinations in Rwanda.

What to pack for your Birding Safari in Rwanda.

Your backpack for a birding Safari in Rwanda should include Binoculars (8×42 recommended), a pen, sturdy walking shoes, water proof Jacket Sun Screen, Hats, quick-drying clothes, and insect repellents. Tear back pack should include packets of snacks, water, and any required medication.

Important to park for this Safari is a camera with a telephoto lens of 200 – 600mm, ideal for serious photographers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birding Safaris in Rwanda:

Question: How many bird Species are in Rwanda?

Answer: Rwanda is home to a number of hundreds of recorded bird species, about 700 + recorded, with many concentrated in Akagera and Nyungwe.

Question: Can I combine Gorilla trekking with Birdwatching and wildlife Safaris?

Answer: Yes, it’s possible to combine birding with Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Birding can also be combined wtih Bigfive wildlife and Cultural Encounters in Rwanda.

Question: When is the best time to go for a Birding Safari in Rwanda?

Answer: The best time to visit Rwanda for any Safari is during the Dry season of June to September and December to February. During these months of the year, the terrains are dry and easy to navigate.

Booking a Birding Safari in Rwanda with Katland Safaris.

Katland Safaris specialises in crafting personalized Safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda. Our experts and very well-trained guides know the Calls, movements of wildlife, and way abouts in  Rwanda. Our Birding Safari in Rwanda gives you the best chance to trek off several Albertine Rift endemics and many classic African Species. Our Birding Species can also be broadened to include other Safari highlights in Rwanda, notably the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Birding Safaris in Rwanda by Katland Safaris are a rewarding way to explore one of the most scenic and volcanic destination Rwanda. From the densely covered Rain forests of Nyungwe to the papyrus wetlands of Akagera,  Rwanda’s Landscape echos with beautifull calls of hundreds of beautiful bird species waiting for you to discover them.

Contact us today and let us design and tailor-make you a perfect birding adventure Safari in Rwanda.