Bird Watching In Rwanda: Exploring The Top Places For Birding Adventures

With an extensive bird list that includes over 750 species, bird watching in Rwanda is immensely enjoyable! Rwanda has the highest bird density per square kilometer in Africa despite being a small nation of only 26,338 square kilometers. By traversing a little area or spending a brief amount of time on the birding trail, birding in Rwanda will reward you with a multitude of bird species. Easy access and views of uncommon and challenging-to-find bird species are also available.

In this article,  Rwanda Immigration Services will explore the top places for birding adventures in Rwanda. Explore the diverse ecosystems and see the must-see avian species that call this East African country home, which is definitely something to do at least once in your life.

When To Bird Watching In Rwanda?

All year round! However, the migration bird season, which runs from December to February, is when Rwanda hosts a large influx of wintering and Pelearactic migrants.

The infrastructure needed for birdwatching, including roads, lodging, and trails, has been constructed. Trained professional bird guides are available to lead Rwanda birding tours. 

Bird watching in Rwanda is immensely enjoyable

The Best Places For Bird Watching In Rwanda

Rwanda has never been recognized as a top birding destination; instead, the image of the country that most people associate with it is that of its mountain gorillas. The majority of Rwanda's other tourist attractions have been eclipsed in prominence by the country's mountain gorillas.

However, with an astounding 703 bird species dispersed across various habitats, including 29 Albertine RiftEndemics, Rwanda is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can choose Rwanda birding tours depending on their personal interests.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is Africa's largest and oldest montane forest . There are more than 300 species of birds as well as 13 species of primates, and a large number of rare plant species. One of the best places to watch birds feeding on the tree canopies is atop Bigugu Mountain in the forest. Another option is to leave the forest and visit the bird-favorite Gisakura tea estate. 

The Red-ollared Babbler perhaps the most well-liked and visually appealing species in Nyungwe National Park. In addition, the Nyungwe Forest is home to the following species: Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine owlet, Blue-headed sunbird, Grauer's Swamp Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Handsome spur fowls, Neumann's Warbler, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, and Regal sunbird.

Rwanda has never been recognized as a top birding destination

Volcanoes National Park

This park is more well-known for gorilla trekking, golden monkeys and hiking one of the volcanoes like Karisimbi. However, this does not change the truth that it is among the top places to see Rwanda birds.

There are roughly 200 species in the park. Of them, sixteen are endemic to the volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range, and 27 are unique to Rwanda. It is a must-visit location for birdwatching in order to see uncommon species, take in the stunning Virunga landscape, and possibly even have a chance to see gorillas.

Read more: Plan Your Perfect Trip To Volcanoes National Park In Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a savannah park featuring lakes, forests, undulating hills, and wetland areas. It provides a more traditional Big 5 African safari experience, but it also offers fantastic birdwatching due to its diversity of habitats. 

In Akagera National Park, 490 bird species have been seen thus far, including Rwanda national bird -  Illusiveshoebill. The park provides a similar experience to other parks in area, but this one's compact size makes it easy to visit the various habitats and compile a decent list of birds.

 Rwanda has the highest bird density per square kilometer in Africa 

Birding around Kigali City

When visiting Rwanda or Uganda, one can begin birding as soon as they exit the airport or even in the larger cities. Kigali is the entry point into the country through the Kigali International Airport and therefore offers your first opportunity to watch birds in Rwanda.

While you can begin your birding adventure in Kigali from the hotel grounds, it might be wiser to head to Lak Nyarutarama, which is adjacent to the city's main golf course. There are beautiful trails and walks around this lake that are great for seeing flying geese, black-headed herons, grey-capped warblers, and white-faced whistling ducks. 

Additionally, you can spot yellow-billed storks, spur-winged geese, squacco turaco, and tiny egrets by visiting the Nyabarongo swamp. In Rwanda, Mount Kigali is also a great place to go birdwatching. 

Lake Kivu

More people are aware of Lake Kivu because of its stunning beaches, islands, and reputation as one of Rwanda's top locations for sport fishing. However, it's often overlooked that the lake itself stands as a prominent birdwatching locale. The lake's and its islands' scenic qualities  attract White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Kingfishers.

During certain months of the year, thousands of migratory birds can be seen feeding around the lake alongside the locals. For the whole Lake Kivu birdwatching experience, you have to go to Nkora Island. Nkora Island is a small fishing village home to a remarkable variety of aquatic birds, including cave bats. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to interact with local fisherman and discover how they make ends meet.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Located in Rwanda's northwest, this is the country's newest national park. Gishwati was regarded as Rwanda's top birding destination with 395 species available even before it was designated as a national park. 

The Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Martial Eagle, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Grey Crowned Crane are a few of them. 

While finding birds, expect to encounter baboons, golden and blue monkeys, and chimpanzees.  You should visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park during the dry season for the best birdwatching experience. 

Packing List For Watching Birds In Rwanda

For the best birding experience in Rwanda, ensure you're well-equipped with top-tier binoculars, pointers, sturdy hiking shoes, and plenty of water and snacks. It's essential to have a knowledgeable local guide by your side to lead you to prime birding locations and assist with species identification. 

Binoculars: 

Birdwatchers must need binoculars. It is among the most crucial items to consider obtaining while planning a Rwandan birding trip. Africa's birds are generally shy, and most will take off if you approach them too closely or if they sense that you are an outsider.

Birdwatchers must need binoculars

A Camera:

If you can not snap quality bird images to share with your friends and the larger birding community, what good are binoculars? An excellent camera is necessary for a memorable birdwatching trip. 

A Portable voice recorder:

Birds have a variety of call signs and noises that can be quite fascinating. Using a decent portable voice recorder is the best way to capture these noises on tape. When you go back to your room and compare notes, this will also help you recognize the various birds.

Birding books on Rwanda: 

To help you in identifying the species you have seen, bird identification books are essential. The books are available for purchase at national park offices as well as other important birdwatching spots. 

Insect repellant:

Birds thrive in places with lots of insects. After all, aside from fruits and grains, insects are their primary dietary source. Wasps, bees, mosquitoes, and Tses Tse flies are among the insects whose stings can be quite severe. Take along an effective insect repellant to keep them at bay.

Drinking water and food:

Occasionally, birdwatching excursions last for extended periods, leaving you fatigued and dehydrated. There is no better way to relieve yourself than to grab some water and some nibbles. There are not any restaurants or shops near the majority of the birdwatching locations. It is a good idea to pack light so that you do not go hungry or thirsty in the wild.

Conclusion

Rwanda's diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity make it a premier destination for bird watching enthusiasts. Whether exploring the montane forests of Volcanoes and Nyungwe or the savannah plains of Akagera, bird watchers will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to encounter a wide variety of avian species. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and welcoming hospitality, Rwanda is truly a birding paradise waiting to be explored.

As you plan your bird watching in Rwanda, remember to make your travel arrangements as smooth as possible by applying for a Rwanda eVisa via our website. The Rwanda eVisa allows travelers to obtain their travel authorization conveniently online, eliminating the need for visits to embassies or consulates. With a simple application process and fast processing times, the Rwanda eVisa offers travelers a hassle-free way to prepare for their trip.