24-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda – Comprehensive Birding Experience Across Diverse Ecosystems

Visit Nyabarongo, one of Rwanda’s most significant wetlands, known for its papyrus specialists. Look for Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, African Swamphen, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Accommodation options:
•  Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Bird around lakes Rweru, Mirayi, and surrounding papyrus-lined shores. Spot species like African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Blue-headed Coucal, and Yellow-billed Stork.
Accommodation options:
• 🏨 Luxury: Resort House Bugesera
• 🏡 Midrange: East Land Motel
• 🛏️ Budget: Local Guesthouse

Drive to Akagera National Park, stopping for roadside birding. Upon arrival, explore birding around the southern gate for species like Bare-faced Go-away-bird and Red-faced Barbet.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Magashi Camp
• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Explore Akagera’s northern and southern sectors, targeting species such as African Fish Eagle, White-crested Helmetshrike, and Temminck’s Courser. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema for waterbirds and raptors.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Magashi Camp
• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
•  Budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Relax and enjoy light birding in Kigali's wetlands. You may also visit Umusambi Village to see rescued Grey Crowned Cranes.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Drive north to Rugezi Marsh, a key Important Bird Area (IBA). Look for Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Birding at Buhanga EcoPark for White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Chinspot Batis, and African Green Pigeon. Afternoon birding at Twin Lakes for wetland and forest-edge species.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Explore the forest trails of Volcanoes National Park, home to Albertine Rift endemics like Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. Optional gorilla or golden monkey trekking.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Drive to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, birding along the way. Explore trails targeting species like Mountain Masked Apalis, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Grey-throated Barbet.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Forest of Hope Lodge
• Midrange: The Peak Spot
• Budget: Gishwati Community Camp

Bird along the shorelines and reed beds of Lake Kivu. Look for Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-backed Weaver, African Pied Wagtail, and Black Crake. Optional sunset boat ride.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
• Midrange: Paradise Malahide
• Budget: Inzu Lodge

Scenic drive south to Nyungwe, birding roadside forests and wetlands. Arrive in Gisakura and explore forest-edge trails.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
•  Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Spend three days exploring Nyungwe’s birding hotspots. Key species include Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Neumann’s Warbler, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Optional canopy walk or primate tracking.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Birding at Gisovu for high-elevation species like Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Kivu Ground Thrush.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
•  Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Bird in Cyamudongo, home to Albertine Boubou, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and Buff-throated Apalis.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali, with birding stops at wetlands and cultivated zones along the way.
Accommodation options:
• Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Depending on your flight time, enjoy morning birding or a cultural tour. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Safari Inclusions

• 4x4 vehicle with professional birding guide
  • Full-board accommodation (luxury, midrange, or budget options)
  • Park entry and activity fees (including boat cruises and community walks)
  • Bird checklists, bottled water, and all meals
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off and all transfers