Bird Watching in Rwanda

Bird Watching in Rwanda: A Complete Birder’s Guide

Bird watching in Rwanda. Rwanda is a paradise for birdwatchers. Despite its small size, the country is home to over 700 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, forest rarities, wetland specialists, and spectacular migrants. Its rich biodiversity and compact layout make it possible to explore multiple habitats — from rainforests to savannahs — in just one trip.

Whether you’re a casual bird lover or a seasoned twitcher, here are the best destinations for bird watching in Rwanda and what makes each one special.

1. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe is one of the most important birding sites in Africa. This ancient montane rainforest harbors over 320 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics — the highest number of any Rwandan park.

Key species to spot:

• Red-collared Babbler (rare and mostly found here)
• Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
• Handsome Francolin
• Blue-headed Sunbird
• Regal Sunbird
• Strange Weaver

Birding trails like the Kamiranzovu Swamp and Uwinka Ridge offer the best chances for endemics. The canopy walkway also gives a rare overhead perspective of forest dwellers.

📍 Best time: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February)

2. Akagera National Park

For savannah and wetland birds, Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda is the top destination. With more than 500 bird species, including waterbirds, raptors, and game drive favorites, it’s a birder’s playground.

Notable sightings include:

• Shoebill (rare, best seen in the northern swamps or Lake Ihema delta)
• African Fish Eagle
• Papyrus Gonolek
• African Jacana
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Black-headed Gonolek
• White-winged Warbler

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema and birding along the Mutumba Hills or Muyumbu camp areas offer great diversity.

📍 Ideal for combining birding with a traditional Big Five safari.

3. Volcanoes National Park

Known mainly for gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park also hosts over 180 bird species, including several high-altitude and Albertine Rift endemics. The volcanic slopes are cloaked in bamboo and Hagenia forest, offering unique alpine birding.

Birds to look for:

• Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird
• Dusky Crimsonwing
• Archer’s Robin-chat
• Rwenzori Turaco
• Lagden’s Bush-shrike
• Strange Weaver

Though not always easy due to terrain, early morning walks around Musanze and park buffer zones can be productive.

📍 Tip: Pair birding with a golden monkey trek or cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu village.

4. Gishwati–Mukura National Park

Rwanda’s newest national park is gaining attention among birders. Though smaller than Nyungwe, Gishwati Forest offers a compact habitat with many of the same Albertine endemics and fewer crowds.

Species highlights:

• Rwenzori Batis
• Grey Crowned Crane (in adjacent wetlands)
• Purple-breasted Sunbird
• Mountain Yellow Warbler
• Stripe-breasted Tit

Conservation efforts and community tourism are actively improving access and guiding.

📍 Best visited with a local bird guide to enhance chances of seeing forest specialists.

5. Lake Kivu Region (Kibuye, Gisenyi, and Rusizi)

The shores of Lake Kivu offer peaceful birding combined with stunning views and cultural charm. The mix of lakeside vegetation, hills, and gardens supports many species — great for relaxed or family-friendly birding.

Common sightings:

• Pied Kingfisher
• Malachite Kingfisher
• African Paradise Flycatcher
• Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill
• Great Blue Turaco

Gisenyi and Kibuye make great bases for casual birders, with lodges that overlook the lake and attract a variety of species.

📍 Tip: Combine with kayaking or the Congo Nile Trail for a birding hike.

6. Wetlands and Marshes (e.g., Rugezi Swamp, Rwabusoro, Nyabarongo)

For water and swamp specialists, Rwanda’s marshlands and papyrus wetlands are excellent. Some are Important Bird Areas (IBAs), home to highly localized species.

Look for:

• Papyrus Canary
• White-winged Swamp Warbler
• Carruthers’s Cisticola
• Lesser Jacana
• Papyrus Yellow Warbler (rare and range-restricted)

Rugezi Swamp, a Ramsar site in the north, is especially valuable for conservation and bird research.

📍 Best with guides due to remoteness and habitat sensitivity.

Tips for Bird Watching in Rwanda

• Best birding months: December to February and June to September (dry seasons offer better trail access)
• Wet season perks: March to May attracts Palearctic migrants and enhances forest color
• Local guides: Hire certified birding guides, especially in forests
• Equipment: Bring binoculars, spotting scopes, waterproof gear, and a good bird app or field guide (such as Birds of East Africa)
• Pack light and sustainably: Rwanda bans plastic bags and encourages eco-friendly travel

Final Thoughts: Rwanda Is a Birding Gem

Whether you are after elusive endemics or just love colorful, active birdlife, bird watching in Rwanda is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. In just a week, you can explore multiple ecosystems — each one filled with calls, colors, and flying wonders.

With safety, scenery, and sustainability on your side, Rwanda is not just for gorillas — it’s a birder’s dream waiting to be explored.

📌 Ready to Plan Your Birding Safari?

Let us help you create a tailor-made birding itinerary across Rwanda’s top hotspots — guided by experts, supported by conservation, and designed to match your interests and skill level.