Best Places for Bird Watching in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the best places for bird watching in Africa. Rwanda is home to over 750 species of birds and consists of the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer is Africa. Best Places for bird watching in Rwanda, Various bird species can be spotted in different parts of Rwanda and you will have an opportunity to spot birds according to your selected bird list. Birds in Rwanda can be spotted in various habitats ranging from montane forests Volcanoes National Park to wetlands and swamps, agricultural farmlands, lakes and savannahs.

Rwanda is also home to various wildlife species which include primates and the big 5 animals. Depending on the itinerary you choose for your birding safari in Rwanda with Pinnacle Africa Safaris you can also include seeing the primates in Rwanda which include Mountain Gorillas found in Volcanoes National Park and Chimpanzees found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, other wildlife include the Big 5 animals which can be sighted in Akagera National Park. Best Places for Bird Watching in Rwanda. Rwanda is also home to 44 bird species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift and of these 27 bird species can be spotted in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Best places where to go birding in Rwanda

Birding around Kigali City

Kigali City is the main entry point into Rwanda and offers great bird sightings within and around the city, birds can be seen on trees, various gardens and rivers in Kigali. There are various notable birding spots within Kigali City.

The Albertine Rift region

The Albertine Rift region is one of the best regions in Africa for bird watching it stretches across the western rift valley which also crosses the western half of Rwanda covering other five countries which include Uganda, Burundi, DR Congo, Southern Sudan and Zambia. The region is home to over 40 species of birds, 33 mammals, 34 amphibians, 117 butterflies and 16 reptiles. Rwanda is home to atleast 27 species of birds which are endemic to the Albertine Rift these are found in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Volcanoes National Park

The Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda’s part of the Virunga mountain range, and includes five volcanoes namely Mountains Muhavura, Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, and Karisimbi. The Volcanoes National Park is famous for the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys and is mostly visited for treks to observe these endangered and endemic primates and hikes to the volcanoes. But the park boasts of about 165 bird species, 17 endemic to the area making it one of the best places to see birds in Rwanda. It is must visit for birding to catch the rare species and also enjoy the breathtaking Virunga scenery and a chance to encounter the Gorillas.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is a tropical rain rainforest which is known to have the largest concentration of Chimpanzees in Africa. The park is home to over 300 species of birds making it one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda. Notable bird species to see in the park include 29 albertine endemic species, these include the Great Blue Turaco, Red-Breasted Sparrow Hawk, White Headed Wood Hoopoe, the Re-Throated Alethe, the Paradise Flycatcher and the Gigantic Forest Hornbill, Green Pigeons, Ross’s Turaco, Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, the purple breasted and the blue headed sunbird, the Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis and the Regal Sunbird. Given the fact this is a forest spotting the birds maybe hard when alone and with this you will be guided by a experienced guide during your walk through the forest to search for various bird species.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park has over 520 bird species making it one of the great birding place in Rwanda, the diverse habitats of the park present a safe place for resident and migratory birds ranging from forests, hills, savannah plains. The park is home to various endemics and rare bird species including the threatened papyrus gonolek, other bird species include the Lesser Kesterel, the Armot Chat, the Red Faced Barbets, the Great Snipe, Swamp Fly Catchers and the Shoebill.

Birding in Gishwati-Mukura National park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park has 232 bird species among them including Regal Sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Ruwenzori Batis, Wood hoopoe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Strange weave, Grey Crowned Crane, Dusky Crimson wing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Red-throated Alethe some are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Wetlands and Marshes

Rwanda has various wetlands and marshes which cover at least 10% of the country’s land area. The main protected ones include Rugezi, Akanyaru and Nyabarongo Wetlands where many waders and water species can be observed. These are great for spotting various water birds.

What is the best time for bird watching in Rwanda?

Birding in Rwanda is done throughout the year and the best time is during the wetter months of March, April, May, September, October, and November are usually recommended for birding as most birds breed during this time and are more active and vocal this makes spotting them easy.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Bird watching Safari in Rwanda?

At Eco Adventure Safaris our aim is to provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients during their birding trips, we have discounted and affordable packages for our clients. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints“. Contact us here for Bird watching Safari packages in Rwanda and our dedicated safari consultants will help you plan your safari smoothly.