3-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda
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Wetlands, Savannah & Woodland Birdwatching Adventure
Safari Overview
Embark on a 3-day birdwatching safari in Rwanda, perfect for both avid birders and wildlife-loving travelers. This Rwanda birding tour explores three diverse ecosystems: Nyabarongo Wetland, Akagera National Park, and the Kigali hills and gardens. Discover over 200 bird species in just three days—from wetland rarities like the Papyrus Gonolek to savannah raptors, riverine species, and colorful woodland birds like Ross’s Turaco.
With expert birding guides, comfortable accommodation, and game drives plus a boat safari on Lake Ihema, this short birding holiday is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists alike.
Safari Highlights
- Spot 200+ bird species in just three days
- Explore wetland, savannah, and woodland bird habitats
- Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema for aquatic and wading birds
- Great bird photography and guiding opportunities
- Ideal add-on to a gorilla trek or wildlife safari in Rwanda
Included/Exclude
- Expert birding guide
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park entrance & activity fees
- Full-board meals One night Kigali, one night in/near Akagera (luxury, midrange, or budget)
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Bottled water
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour Plan
Papyrus Birds • Urban Woodlands • Colorful Songbirds
07:00 AM – Depart from Kigali Hotel
Start your Rwanda birding experience with a morning drive to Nyabarongo Wetlands, a critical Important Bird Area (IBA) near Kigali. Walk along the wetland margins and cultivated fields.
Key Species:
- Papyrus Gonolek
- African Jacana
- Lesser Swamp Warbler
- African Openbill
- Yellow-billed Egret
12:30 PM – Lunch & Transfer Back to Kigali
After a productive morning, return to Kigali for lunch and an afternoon bird walk.
03:00 PM – Birding Around Kigali Hills & Gardens 🌳
Target woodland and garden species in locations like Nyarutarama Lake, Rebero, or Mount Kigali foothills.
Highlights:
- Ross’s Turaco
- Bronze Sunbird
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Variable Sunbird
- White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher
Accommodation options:
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Step Town Motel
Savannah Raptors • Woodland Birds • Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
06:30 AM – Early Departure to Akagera 🚙 (2.5 hrs)
Enter the southern gate of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier safari destination for birding and wildlife. Begin birding along savannah plains and acacia woodlands.
Target Species:
- Long-crested Eagle
- Crowned Lapwing
- Bare-faced Go-away-bird
- Rufous-naped Lark
- Grey Hornbill
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch or Lodge Lunch
Recharge while birding en route to Lake Ihema.
03:00 PM – Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Sail across Lake Ihema, known for waterbirds and riverine species.
Birding from the boat includes:
- African Fish Eagle
- Saddle-billed Stork
- African Darter
- Pied Kingfisher
- Spur-winged Goose
Accommodation options
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
- 🌿 Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
- 💼 Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park)
Woodland Safari Birds • Raptors • Return Journey
06:00 AM – Early Birding Safari Drive
Begin the day with a guided birding game drive across varied habitats.
Species Likely to Encounter:
- Helmeted Guineafowl
- Brown Snake Eagle
- Green Wood-hoopoe
- Northern Red-billed Hornbill
- Black-headed Gonolek
10:30 AM – Final Birding Stop at Lake Hago or Southern Woodlands 🌾
Conclude with a stop around Lake Hago or the southern exit zone, rich in marsh and edge birds.
12:30 PM – Begin Drive Back to Kigali
Enjoy scenic landscapes and optional stops for additional sightings.
04:00 – 05:00 PM – Arrival & Drop-Off in Kigali
Drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
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