Birding in Rwanda – Rwanda birding tours – The best Rwanda birding safari tours – Birding safaris in Rwanda – A classic birding trip in Rwanda.
Rwanda is a great destination for birding enthusiasts, with over 700 bird species recorded in the country. The diverse habitats in Rwanda, including forests, wetlands, and savannas, provide a rich breeding ground for a variety of bird species. There are several birding tour operators in Rwanda that offer guided birding tours to some of the country's best birding hotspots.
Beyond Travel offers the best birding tours in Rwanda which come with an unforgettable safari experience. These tours range from half-day trips to multi-day safaris and can be customized to suit the needs and interests of individual birders. Some of the top birding hotspots in Rwanda include Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. Other areas to consider include Rugezi Marsh, Gishwati Forest Reserve, and Cyamudongo Forest.
The best birding safari tours in Rwanda – Top birding destinations in Rwanda
Are you a bird lover, and would like to take on a birding trip to Rwanda? Here are some of the top and best birding destinations in Rwanda which you must not miss during your Rwanda birding safari;
Akagera National Park: This Park is located in eastern Rwanda and is home to over 500 bird species, including water birds, raptors, and forest birds. Some of the bird species to look out for include the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and papyrus gonolek.
Nyungwe Forest National Park: This Park is located in southwestern Rwanda and is home to over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. Some of the bird species to look out for include the red-collared babbler, handsome francolin, and the Rwenzori turaco.
Volcanoes National Park: This Park is located in northwestern Rwanda and is home to a variety of forest birds, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Some of the bird species to look out for include the African green broadbill, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, and the Kivu ground thrush.
Rugezi Marsh: This wetland is located in northern Rwanda and is home to a variety of water birds, including the rare and endangered grey-crowned crane. Other bird species to look out for include the lesser jacana, papyrus yellow warbler, and the black-headed heron.
Gishwati Forest Reserve: This forest reserve is located in western Rwanda and is home to a variety of forest birds, including Albertine Rift endemics. Some of the bird species to look out for include the Grauer's rush warbler, Rwenzori nightjar, and the purple-breasted sunbird.
Cyamudongo Forest: This forest is located in southeastern Rwanda and is home to a variety of forest birds, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Some of the bird species to look out for include the yellow-eyed black flycatcher, the white-tailed crested flycatcher, and the mountain-masked apalis.
These are just a few of the top birding spots in Rwanda. Depending on your interests and preferences, there may be other areas to consider as well. Book a guided birding tour with Beyond now and get the best Rwanda birding trip.
Where to go birding in Rwanda?
Birding in Akagera national park
Akagera National Park is a great destination for birding in Rwanda. The park is located in eastern Rwanda and is home to over 500 bird species, including water birds, raptors, and forest birds. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Akagera National Park:
Shoebill stork: This is one of the most iconic bird species in Akagera National Park. The shoebill stork is a large, prehistoric-looking bird that is found in the marshy areas of the park. It is a rare and endangered species that is highly sought after by birders.
African fish eagle: This is another iconic bird species in Akagera National Park. The African fish eagle is a large, majestic bird of prey that is found near water bodies in the park. It is known for its distinctive call and its impressive fishing skills.
Papyrus gonolek: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the papyrus swamps of Akagera National Park. It has a distinctive red and black plumage and a loud, melodious call.
Grey-crowned crane: This is a large, elegant bird that is found in the grasslands of Akagera National Park. It is known for its distinctive crown of feathers and its elaborate courtship dance.
African jacana: This is a small, wading bird that is found in the wetlands of Akagera National Park. It has incredibly long toes that allow it to walk on floating vegetation and lily pads, making it a fascinating bird to observe.
African hoopoe: This is a striking bird with a distinctive crest and colorful plumage. It is found in the savannah areas of Akagera National Park and is known for its distinctive call.
Bateleur eagle: This is a large, powerful bird of prey that is found in the open savannah areas of Akagera National Park. It has a striking black and white plumage and is known for its impressive aerial acrobatics.
Black-headed gonolek: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the woodlands of Akagera National Park. It has a distinctive black head and a bright yellow belly.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest national park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a great destination for birding in Rwanda. The park is located in southwestern Rwanda and is home to over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
Red-collared babbler: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the understory of Nyungwe Forest. It has a distinctive red collar and a striking blue and yellow plumage.
Handsome francolin: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the grasslands and forests of Nyungwe Forest. It is known for its distinctive call and its striking black-and-white plumage.
Rwenzori turaco: This is a large, colorful bird that is found in the canopy of Nyungwe Forest. It has a distinctive green and blue plumage and a red crest on its head.
Mountain masked apalis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the understory of Nyungwe Forest. It has a distinctive black mask on its face and a bright yellow belly.
Rwenzori batis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the canopy of Nyungwe Forest. It has a distinctive black and white plumage and a long, thin beak.
Kungwe apalis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the bamboo and understory of Nyungwe Forest. It is an Albertine Rift endemic species, meaning it is only found in the highlands of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Grauer's rush warbler: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the wetlands and marshy areas of Nyungwe Forest. It is a rare and endangered species that is only found in a few places in the Albertine Rift.
Rwenzori nightjar: This is a small, nocturnal bird that is found in the forested areas of Nyungwe Forest. It has a distinctive call and is known for its ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Birding in Volcanoes national park
Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for birding in Rwanda. The park is located in northwestern Rwanda and is home to a variety of forest birds, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Volcanoes National Park:
African green broadbill: This is a small, colorful bird that is found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. It is an Albertine Rift endemic species and is known for its distinctive green plumage and its ability to hover in mid-air.
Rwenzori double-collared sunbird: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive double collar of feathers and a long, curved beak.
Kivu ground thrush: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive brown and white plumage and a loud, melodious call.
Black-billed turaco: This is a large, colorful bird that is found in the forests of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive blue and green plumage and a long, curved beak.
Ruwenzori nightjar: This is a small, nocturnal bird that is found in the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive call and is known for its ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Mountain yellow warbler: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the bamboo and forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive bright yellow plumage and a loud, cheerful song.
African dusky flycatcher: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive dusky brown plumage and a broad bill.
Olive pigeon: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park. It has a distinctive green and purple plumage and a loud, deep call
Birding in Rugezi Marsh
Rugezi Marsh is a wetland located in northern Rwanda and is a great destination for birding. The marsh is home to a variety of water birds and is an important habitat for the rare and endangered grey-crowned crane. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Rugezi Marsh:
Grey-crowned crane: This is a large, elegant bird that is found in the grasslands and wetlands of Rugezi Marsh. It is known for its distinctive crown of feathers and its elaborate courtship dance.
African jacana: This is a small, wading bird that is found in the wetlands of Rugezi Marsh. It has incredibly long toes that allow it to walk on floating vegetation and lily pads, making it a fascinating bird to observe.
Papyrus yellow warbler: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the papyrus marshes of Rugezi Marsh. It has a distinctive yellow plumage and a loud, melodious song.
Black-headed heron: This is a medium-sized bird that is found near water bodies in Rugezi Marsh. It has a distinctive black head and a long, slender neck.
Common moorhen: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the wetlands of Rugezi Marsh. It has a distinctive red beak and black plumage.
Lesser jacana: This is a small, wading bird that is found in the wetlands of Rugezi Marsh. It has distinctive chestnut-colored plumage and incredibly long toes that allow it to walk on floating vegetation and lily pads.
African fish eagle: This is a large, majestic bird of prey that is found near water bodies in Rugezi Marsh. It is known for its distinctive call and its impressive fishing skills.
Malachite kingfisher: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found near water bodies in Rugezi Marsh. It has a distinctive green and blue plumage and is known for its ability to dive into the water to catch fish.
Birding in Gishwati Forest Reserve
Gishwati Forest Reserve is a great destination for birding in Rwanda. The forest reserve is located in western Rwanda and is home to a variety of forest birds, including Albertine Rift endemics. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Gishwati Forest Reserve:
Grauer's rush warbler: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the wetlands and marshy areas of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It is a rare and endangered species that is only found in a few places in the Albertine Rift.
Rwenzori nightjar: This is a small, nocturnal bird that is found in the forested areas of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive call and is known for its ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Purple-breasted sunbird: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the forested areas of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive purple breast and a long, curved beak.
White-tailed crested flycatcher: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the canopy of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive white tail and black-and-white plumage.
Mountain masked apalis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the understory of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive black mask on its face and a bright yellow belly.
Rwenzori batis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the canopy of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive black and white plumage and a long, thin beak.
Olive pigeon: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forested areas of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive green and purple plumage and a loud, deep call.
Doherty's bush shrike: This is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the forested areas of Gishwati Forest Reserve. It has a distinctive red and black plumage and a loud, melodious call.
Birding in Cyamudongo Forest
.jpg)
Cyamudongo Forest is a small forest located in southeastern Rwanda and is a great destination for birding. The forest is home to a variety of forest birds, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Here are some of the bird species you can expect to see when birding in Cyamudongo Forest:
Rwenzori turaco: This is a large, colorful bird that is found in the canopy of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive green and blue plumage and a red crest on its head.
Kivu ground thrush: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forested areas of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive brown and white plumage and a loud, melodious call.
White-tailed blue flycatcher: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the understory of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive blue and white plumage and a broad bill.
Mountain masked apalis: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the understory of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive black mask on its face and a bright yellow belly.
Red-throated alethe: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the forested areas of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive red throat and brown and white plumage.
Banded prinia: This is a small, insect-eating bird that is found in the grasslands and forest edges of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive banded plumage and a loud, chattering call.
Olive greenbul: This is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forested areas of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive olive green plumage and a melodious song.
Black-headed waxbill: This is a small, seed-eating bird that is found in the grasslands and forest edges of Cyamudongo Forest. It has a distinctive black head and a red beak.
What is the best time to go birding in Rwanda?
The best time to go birding in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and from December to February. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, and the birds are more active and easier to spot. The dry season is also the best time to go gorilla trekking, which is another popular activity in Rwanda.
During the rainy season, which runs from March to May and from October to November, the weather in Rwanda can be wet and muddy, and bird watching can be more challenging. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to see some bird species that are more active and vocal during this time, such as cuckoos and turacos.
It is important to note that Rwanda is a year-round birding destination, and different bird species can be seen at different times of the year. Therefore, the best time to go birding in Rwanda ultimately depends on the specific bird species you want to see and your personal preferences in terms of weather and other factors.
What to carry on a Rwanda birding safari?
When going on a birding safari in Rwanda, it is important to be prepared and carry the necessary gear and equipment. Here are some items that you should consider carrying on your Rwanda birding safari:
Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching, as it allows you to see the birds up close and in detail. Make sure to choose binoculars with a magnification of at least 8x or 10x.
Field guide: A field guide is a valuable resource for identifying the different bird species you may encounter on your birding safari. There are several birding field guides available that are specific to Rwanda and the East African region.
Camera: A camera is a great way to capture the birds you see on your birding safari. Make sure to bring a camera with a zoom lens that allows you to get close-up shots of the birds.
Comfortable clothing: Dress in comfortable, lightweight clothes that are suitable for the climate and conditions in Rwanda. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended for protection against sunburn and insect bites.
Hiking shoes: You will likely be doing some walking and hiking during your birding safari, so it is important to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that provide good support and traction.
Sunscreen and insect repellent: Rwanda can be hot and sunny, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat. Insect repellent is also recommended to protect against mosquito bites and other insect pests.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important when birding in Rwanda, so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day.
Snacks: Bringing snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and fruit can help keep you energized during your birding safari.
Backpack or daypack: A backpack or daypack is useful for carrying your gear and supplies during your birding safari.
Birding checklist: Bringing a birding checklist can help you keep track of the different bird species you see during your safari.
It is also recommended to travel with a knowledgeable guide who can help you spot and identify the various bird species you encounter. Additionally, be sure to follow all park regulations and respect the wildlife and environment during your birding safari.
Rwanda is a fantastic destination for birding, with a variety of habitats and bird species to explore. From the forested areas of Volcanoes National Park and Gishwati Forest Reserve, to the wetlands of Rugezi Marsh and the small Cyamudongo Forest, there are many opportunities to see a diverse range of birds, including several Albertine Rift endemics and rare and endangered species.
The best time to go birding in Rwanda is during the dry season, when the weather is favorable and the birds are more active. When going on a birding safari in Rwanda, be sure to bring the necessary gear and equipment, such as binoculars, a field guide, comfortable clothing, and a backpack or daypack. Traveling with a knowledgeable guide is also recommended for the best bird watching experience.