Classic 5 Days Rwanda Birding Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Morning: Your birding adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s capital. Kigali is a vibrant city, and the journey to Nyungwe National Park takes around 5-6 hours by road, though the drive is scenic and provides early glimpses of the country’s lush landscapes.

• Arrive in Kigali: Depending on your flight schedule, you will be met by your local birding guide at the airport. After a brief introduction, you will embark on the drive south towards Nyungwe National Park.

Afternoon:

• Lunch stop: You may stop at a local restaurant or along the way to enjoy lunch before continuing the journey. This gives you a brief opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
• Evening birding at Nyungwe: Depending on the time of arrival, you may have the opportunity to do some early evening birdwatching near your lodge or on a short forest walk. Nyungwe is a prime location for birding, and even a short exploration can yield sightings of birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, and Kivu Ground Thrush.

Overnight: Stay at a lodge or eco-friendly accommodation within or near the park, such as Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Nyungwe Forest Lodge. These lodges offer a comfortable stay with easy access to the park for birding.

Day 2: Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park

Early Morning:

• Breakfast & Early Start: Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading into Nyungwe National Park for a full day of birding. Nyungwe is one of East Africa’s premier birding destinations and boasts over 300 bird species, including several endemics and threatened species.
• Birding Hike in the Forest: Your guide will take you on a morning forest hike, where you may spot species such as:
  • Great Blue Turaco
  • Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
  • African Crowned Eagle
  • Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill
  • White-headed Wood-hoopoe

Nyungwe is a tropical rainforest, and the forest’s dense canopy is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife. You might also encounter primates, including Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.

Late Morning:

• Colobus Monkey Trekking: A side activity that can be integrated into your birding trip is a visit to spot the Angolan Black-and-white Colobus Monkey. While trekking, you can also observe species such as the Mountain Wagtail and Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo.

Afternoon:

• Picnic lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints within the park or a nearby picnic area.
• Afternoon Birding: After lunch, continue birdwatching along the Canopy Walk. This elevated walkway offers a great vantage point for spotting forest birds like the Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Red-faced Barbet.

Overnight: Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu for Wetland Birding

Morning:

• Early Breakfast and Transfer to Lake Kivu: After an early breakfast, head towards Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and the route will provide scenic views of Rwanda’s rural villages and terraced hillsides. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl and wetland bird species.
• Birdwatching at Lake Kivu: Upon arrival at Gisenyi (Lake Kivu’s northernmost town), you can begin birding along the shoreline and in the surrounding wetlands. The area hosts a variety of species, including:
  • White-winged Black Tern
  • Black-crowned Night Heron
  • Yellow-billed Stork
  • African Fish Eagle
  • Malachite Kingfisher

You can also explore the nearby marshes and beaches for birds like Little Egret, Pied Avocet, and Squacco Heron.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Lake Kivu: Enjoy a relaxing lunch by the lake, where you can also take in the serene views of the water and surrounding mountains.
• Afternoon Boat Ride: For a unique perspective, take a boat ride on Lake Kivu. The boat ride offers the chance to spot water-loving birds such as the Great Egret, Pied Kingfisher, and even Water Thick-knee.
• Birdwatching in the Wetlands: Explore the wetlands and rivers that feed into the lake. These areas are prime birding spots, where you can see species like the Purple Heron, Long-tailed Cormorant, and African Jacana.

Overnight: Stay at a lakeside lodge in Gisenyi, such as Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or Kivu Marina Bay Hotel. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you reflect on the day’s birding.

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park for High-altitude Birding

Morning:

• Breakfast & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park: After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive through the beautiful rolling hills of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of the country, is famous for its mountain gorillas but is also a birding hotspot, particularly for high-altitude species.

Afternoon:

• Arrival & Lunch: Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your accommodation, such as the Virunga Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, both offering stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and the surrounding environment.
• Birding in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is home to a variety of endemic and high-altitude birds. You will embark on a birding hike through the park’s montane forests and bamboo groves. Look for species such as:
  • Rwanda Mountain Batis
  • Giant Hornbill
  • Kivu Weaver
  • Olive Ibis
  • Dusky Turtle Dove

Volcanoes is also one of the few places in the world where you can find the Endemic Volcano Robin and the Golden-winged Sunbird, making it a prime spot for birders.

Overnight: Stay at your lodge or a nearby guesthouse.

Day 5: Final Day of Birding at Volcanoes & Departure

Early Morning:

• Breakfast & Early Birding Hike: Start your final day with an early morning birding excursion in the park. Explore the bamboo forests and the higher altitudes, which are home to birds like the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird and Mountain Buzzard. Early mornings are ideal for spotting forest birds, and with the guide’s expertise, you may also get the chance to observe gorilla activity during your hike.
• Visit to the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera: In the afternoon, take a short drive to the Twin Lakes. These lakes, surrounded by volcanic mountains, are home to a variety of water birds, including African Spoonbill and African Marsh Harrier. The scenic beauty of the area makes for a perfect final birding experience in Rwanda.

Late Afternoon:

• Lunch and Return to Kigali: After lunch at the lakes, you will drive back to Kigali for your flight. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, and you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible birding experiences over the past five days.

Evening:

• Departure: Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kigali. Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport, where your Rwanda birding safari comes to a close.