Birding Safari in Rwanda
Overview
Safari Overview
Embark on a 3 day birdwatching safari in Rwanda, perfect for both avid birders and wildlife loving travellers. 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 colourful 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
Tour Plan
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
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 napped 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)
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 to 05:00 PM Arrival & Drop Off in Kigali
Drop off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
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