Bird watching in Rwanda

Bird watching in Rwanda: Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a vibrant country offering
a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. From its modern capital Kigali to
incredible national parks like Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest, and Akagera, Rwanda provides
opportunities to track mountain gorillas, spot rare birds, and experience the Big Five. The
country's rich cultural heritage, emphasis on community and hospitality, and traditional cuisine
add to its appeal, making Rwanda a haven for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure
seekers alike.

With its unique geography, spanning from the Albertine Rift to the Congo Basin, Rwanda boasts
an incredible avian diversity, with over 700 species recorded within its borders. From the
majestic Shoebill Stork to the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, Rwanda's birdlife is a treasure trove of
colors, sounds, and behaviors waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just
starting to explore the world of birds, Rwanda offers a birding experience like no other, with its
stunning landscapes, welcoming people, and unparalleled opportunities to spot some of Africa's
most sought-after species.

Best birding spots in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a birding paradise, boasting an incredible array of avian species that
are endemic to the Albertine Rift. As you venture into the park's lush forests, montane
grasslands, and volcanic landscapes, you'll be treated to a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and
behaviors that will leave you in awe. As you explore the park's trails, keep an eye out for the
majestic Shoebill Stork, the elegant Grey Crowned Crane, and the iridescent African Goshawk.
With its unique geography and diverse habitats, Volcanoes National Park offers a birding
experience that is unparalleled in Rwanda.

Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda's only savannah national park, offering a unique birding
experience amidst rolling hills, grasslands, and wetlands. The park harbors over 500 species of
birds, including the iconic Shoebill Stork, African Fish Eagle, and Lilac-breasted Roller. The
park's lakes and rivers attract various water birds, such as the African Darter, Purple Heron, and
African Pygmy Goose.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda's largest protected area, covering over 1,000 square
kilometers of lush tropical rainforest. This park is a birding paradise, with over 300 species
recorded, including 29 endemics. The forest's canopy is home to a dazzling array of birds,
including the Great Blue Turaco, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, and Red-tailed Monkey.
The park's trails offer opportunities to spot birds like the Rwenzori Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit,
and Purple-breasted Sunbird.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a stunning freshwater lake bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of
Congo. The lake's shores and surrounding hills offer a unique birding experience, with
opportunities to spot water birds, raptors, and forest dwellers. Some of the notable bird species
found around Lake Kivu include the White-winged Black Tern, African Fish Eagle, and Palm-
nut Vulture.

Rugezi Swamp

Rugezi Swamp is a small but important wetland located in the northeastern part of Rwanda. This
swamp is a haven for birdlife, with over 100 species recorded, including the endangered Papyrus
Gonolek and the localized White-winged Swamp Warbler. The swamp's vegetation is dominated
by papyrus and cattails, providing a unique habitat for birds like the African Purple Swamphen,
Black Crake, and Yellow-billed Duck.

Bugesera

Bugesera is a region in eastern Rwanda, characterized by rolling hills, grasslands, and wetlands.
This area is home to various bird species, including the endemic Red-faced Barbet and the
localized Black-headed Gonolek. The region's wetlands attract a wide range of waterbirds, such
as the African Jacana, Black-winged Stilt, and African Wattled Lapwing.

When is the best time for birding?

The wet season typically runs from March to May and October to November, which can make
some trails more challenging to navigate, but it brings several advantages for birders:
Rainy weather can stimulate bird activity, making them more vocal and active, the rainy season
brings new growth, making the park's vegetation lush and green, which can provide excellent

habitat for birds. Some migrant bird species can be spotted during the rainy season, adding to the
park's avian diversity.

What to pack for a birding safari in Rwanda

When packing for a birding trip to Volcanoes National Park Bring sturdy, waterproof hiking
boots, comfortable, breathable clothing in muted colors, binoculars, a backpack or daypack for
carrying gear, a water bottle or hydration pack, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid
kit, a spotting scope, and a field guide to help you identify species.

In addition to Rwanda's incredible birding opportunities, consider visiting the nearby countries of
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which offer equally impressive birding
experiences. The Virunga Mountains, which stretch across these three countries, are home to
many endemic and rare bird species, making the region a true birding hotspot. For more
information and bookings contact Jeisking Tours at gorillaugandasafaribookings@gmail.com the
best at birding excursions for our bird watching safari in East Africa