Bird Watching in Rwanda and Best Birding Destinations 2024
A Rwanda Birdwatching tour takes you to best birding destination of the country that’s Nyungwe National Park and to the notable birding spots, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park.
A bird watching in Rwanda is soul-captivating and immersive, offering birders the opportunity to spot over 700 impressive bird species spread across the best birding destinations in the country.
Rwanda bird species list includes notable birds like the iconic Shoebill Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Ruwenzori Turaco, Albertine Owlet, Handsome Francolin, Red-throated Alethe, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater.
Rwanda is ranking as one of the top Eco-tourism destinations across Africa characterized with several birding sites spread all over it’s diverse natural habitats offering the best African montane birding .
The incredible road networks, focus on tourist’s safety combined with a compact kind of nature of the country that is featured with several birding sites make it an excellent destination for birding enthusiasts, exploring several birding habitats with in a very short period of time granting them access to sight most of the rare desirable bird species of Africa.
In November 2018, the country was documented to hold 703 bird species inclusive of the different bird species that had been added to the country birding list since 2010.
Some of these birds include the most desirable Lake Victoria Basin Endemics and 29 Albertine Rift Endemics, topping the wish lists of bird lovers.
The 29 Albertine Rift Endemics Species spotted in Rwanda include;
- Albertine Boubou
- Albertine owlet
- Schouteden’s swift
- Strange weaver
- Stripe-breasted tit
- Willard’s sooty boubou
- Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
- Archer’s robin-chat
- Black-faced Apalis
- Blue-headed sunbird
- Congo bay owl
- Dusky Crimsonwing
- Rockefeller’s sunbird
- Ruwenzori Apalis
- Ruwenzori batis
- Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird
- Ruwenzori nightjar
- Grauer’s swamp warbler
- Grauer’s warbler
- Handsome francolin
- Kivu ground thrush
- Kungwe Apalis
- Neumann’s warbler
- Purple-breasted sunbird
- Red-collared Mountain Babbler
- Red-faced woodland warbler
- Shoebill
- Red-throated alethe
- Regal Sunbird
- Great Blue Turaco
- Ruwenzori turaco
Although most birders to Rwanda put most of their attention to birding in Akagera National park and Nyungwe National park, there are a number of birding sites spread all over the country where a traveler can go for Bird watching in Rwanda.
Some of them are with in a few kilometers from the capital, Kigali ,making it very possible to sight different birds species during your Rwanda wildlife safaris no matter your destination.
Some of the of the unique bird species sighted during bird watching in Rwanda include Albertine boubou, Albertine owlet, Archer’s robin-chat, Black-faced apalis,
Blue-headed sunbird, Red-faced woodland warbler, Red-throated alethe, Regal sunbird, Congo bay owl, Dusky crimsonwing, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grauer’s warbler, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-collared babbler, Handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, Kungwe apalis, Neuman’s warbler, Rockefeller’s sun-bird, Rwenzori apalis ,Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double-collared sun-bird ,Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori turaco, Schouteden’s swift, Strange weaver, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Willard’s sooty boubou and Stripe-breasted tit.
Best Birding Hotspots in Rwanda
The best birding hotspots in Rwanda include Nyungwe National Park. It is renowned for its rich birdlife, hosting over 300 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Albertine Rift. Some of the rare and sought-after Rwanda birds include the Great Blue Turaco, Red-collared Babbler, and Rwenzori Turaco.
Other notable birding spots in Rwanda include Akagera National Park Known for its diverse habitats, it is home to savannah and water birds such as the Papyrus Gonolek and Shoebill and Volcanoes National Park which hosts various Albertine Rift endemics, including the Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird. Let us look at different birding watching hotspots in Rwanda;
Birding in Volcanoes National Park;
Famously know for it’s Endangered Mountain Gorillas, the park is nestled among the dormant volcanoes, hosting Mount Karisimbi, the highest peaked mountain of Rwanda and a diverse of 200 bird species of which 17 are Albertine Rift Endemics making it a right destination for bird watching in Rwanda.
Most of Volcaoes National Park birdlife is similar to that sighted at Nyungwe National park apart from the one unique impressive species called Scarlet-Tufted Sunbird which can only found here across Rwanda.
This Rwanda bird can only be seen at the peak of Mount Bisoke therefore requiring an eager birder who wants to catch glimpse of to hike the Mount to it’s peak, covering 12,175 feet distance.
In addition to birding in Rwanda adventures, the park is surrounded by a number of lakes, close to it is Buhanga Eco-park, a right spot of sighting African Pitta during its migration. All in one package giving a memorable birding adventurous tour in Rwanda.
Birding in Nyungwe National Park;
Nyungwe national park characterized with tropical rainforest, a home to 322 impressive bird species, 13 primate species, a variety of plant species and a diverse of animal species. The most desired birds spotted at the park include the Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco,
Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Blue-headed and Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Neumann’s Warbler and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler best seen during nature walks, taking trails into forests ,with help of an experienced bird guide to help you spot different colorful birds as he is guiding you about their diet, breeding, behavior, numbers and so much more.
At the park, you have high chances of spotting the rare Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Congo Bay Owl, Kungwe Apalis, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, Albertine Owlet and Shelley’s Crimson-wing, Kivu Ground Thrush flying around the forest.
Birding in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is one of the savannah parks of Rwanda featured with lakes, wetlands, rolling hills, woodlands and lush vegetation. The park is a habitat to 490 bird species inclusive of the most thought of by bird enthusiast but very rare in other habitats called Red-faced barbet making it one of the top destinations for bird watching in Rwanda.
other Akagera National Park Birds include the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, White-collared Oliveback, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, and Grey-crowned Cranes.
The park is a habitat to a variety of raptors and water wading birds inclusive of the famous shoebill stork best seen during canoe rides on Lake Ihema.
Besides birding being best explored on nature walks and canoe rides, the park is also a good destination for game drives, sighting different animal species grazing on the Savannah plains and hanging in the woodlands inclusive the Big Five making it a complete tour package destination of Rwanda.
Birding in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s newest park located in the west mountainous regions of Rwanda. Mukura forest holds about 232 bird species and Gishwati 163 bird species inclusive of the most loved by birders and Albertine rift endemics making them a great spot for bird watching in Rwanda.
The park offers uninterrupted scenic views of Lake Kivu located just below the park and lush green vegetation featured with wildlife going about its daily activities.
Birding at Lake Kivu;
Lake kivu is a home to a good number of water wading bird species best seen during boat cruise. It is a habitat to some of the most loved bird species inclusive of the White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and Osprey.
While on a boat cruise, at the lake shores you sight semi-Aquatic species which include the large alligators and Hippos and terrestrial species which get attracted by the lake from their habitats to cool off.
Lake Kivu bird species spotted while on the birding adventure in the region include Double-tooth Barbet Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye and Spot-flanked Barbet on a daily basis.
Birding in the Wetlands and Marshes of Rwanda.
Wetlands and marshes cover about 10% of Rwanda and are home to a variety of bird species, making them excellent destinations for birdwatching in Rwanda. Some well-known wetlands for birding experiences include the Rugezi, Nyabarongo, and Akanyaru wetlands.
Rugezi Wetland, located in the northwestern region of Rwanda, hosts a significant population of Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. Here, you can also spot various water-wading bird species, such as gray-crowned cranes and papyrus canaries.
A boat on Lake Nyagafunzo, situated at the southern end of Rugezi Wetland, offers stunning views of different bird species.
In the Bugesera district, wetlands are documented to support over 300 bird species, making them prime birding spots in Rwanda. Unique bird species found here include the Blue-naped Mousebird, Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, and African Fish Eagle.
In these marshes, you may also frequently encounter the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, Lesser Jacana, and White-backed Duck.
Birding in Kigali City, Capital of Rwanda
Kigali is a urban birding destination. While in the city, you will catch glimpses of different impressive bird species flying around the hotel gardens offering you a clear picture of the rich diversity of bird species that is awaiting you in its reserved habitats.
The famous birds sighted while birding around Kigali include Brown-backed Honeybird, Black ,White-collared Oliveback, African Swamphen, Crested Barbet, Grey-backed Fiscal, Rüppell’s Starling ,Grey-headed Bushshrike, Bat Hawk, Narina Trogon, Lesser Honeyguide,Cuckoo-Shrike, Olive-bellied, Red-chested Sunbird and Bronzy Sunbirds, African Goshawk, Palm Nut Vulture, and Black-headed Weaver.
Birding at Umusambi village
Umusambi village, at the edge of the city is a home to endangered Grey crowned cranes holding up to about 100 species of birds in the restored habitat making it a good destination for urban birding .
Rugezi Swamp Bird watching
Rugezi Swamp located in the northern province of Rwanda offers exceptional birding experiences to birders seeking to spot rare and unique bird species in the country. This Wetland Sanctuary is featured with a variety of Rwanda bird species and is documented to hold over 70 unique, rare and edemic species including globally threatened Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and the iconic Grey Crowned Crane.
Through Rwanda guided birding tours, visitors can explore its diverse habitats including lush Papyrus reeds and marshes or open waters which create an ideal habitat for waterfowls. Guided tours around the swamp also help to spot the rare and elusive bird species that one can’t easily spot on a self guided birding experience.
Rugezi Swamp offers an immersive bird watching experience that highlights Rwanda’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
About the Shoebill in Rwanda
The Shoebill stork is one of the most sought-after bird species for birders on the globe. It is loved for its distinctive appearance featuring a striking large bill that is in a shoe shape. A Shoebill in Rwanda is primarily found in the Wetlands like those of Akagera National park and Akanyaru wetlands.
This elusive birds prefers to inhabit the swamp areas that are rich in Fish as it is its primary source of food. Spotting a Shoebill in Rwanda is a unique experience, as the species is globally threatened due to habitat loss and human activities. Rwanda Shoebill Birding tours offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness this majestic bird in its natural environment.
Rwanda Bird Conservation
Rwanda is committed to bird conservation, focusing on protecting its rich avian diversity, including endangered and endemic species like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and the Red-collared Mountain Babbler.
Conservation efforts are centered in key habitats like Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and the Volcanoes National Park, where reforestation, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement are key strategies.
Organizations like the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association work alongside local communities to promote eco-tourism, raising awareness about the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance. Through national parks and conservation programs, Rwanda has made significant strides in preserving its birdlife for future generations.
Best time for Bird Watching in Rwanda
The best time for birding in Rwanda is during the wet seasons, particularly from March to May and September to November. During these months, the lush vegetation and abundant water sources attract a variety of bird species. Additionally, migratory birds are present, making it an ideal time for birdwatching.
Overall, visiting during the wet seasons not only enhances birdwatching opportunities but also allows you to enjoy Rwanda’s stunning natural beauty.
Essential Gear you need while on Birding safaris in Rwanda
For an immersive birding experience in Rwanda, birders should consider bringing the following gear:
- Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) for clear and close-up views of birds.
- Field Guide: A bird identification book or app specific to the region to help identify various species.
- Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens to capture photos of birds without disturbing them.
- Notebook and Pen: For jotting down observations, notes, and bird sightings.
- Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend into the environment.
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable footwear for walking on uneven terrain featured with the bird habitats.
- Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho for just incase weather changes.
- Hat and Sunglasses: For sun protection during daytime birding.
- Water Bottle: To help you keep hydrated while exploring.
- Snacks: Energy-boosting snacks especially for those planning longer excursions.
- Insect Repellent: To protect against bugs, especially in warmer months.
- Backpack: A comfortable daypack to carry your gear.
Having this gear will enhance the birding experience and ensure a more enjoyable time in the bird habitats.
About Birdig Tours in Rwanda
Birding tours in Rwanda offer a unique experience for enthusiasts to explore the country’s diverse avian population. Guided birdwatching excursions take visitors to key birding hotspots such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Red-collared Mountain Babbler.
Akagera National Park is another prime location, particularly for waterbirds and the elusive Shoebill. Birding tours often include visits to Volcanoes National Park, where travelers can spot species like the Rwenzori Turaco.
Local guides, who are skilled in identifying birds by sight and sound, enhance the experience, offering insights into Rwanda’s birdlife and ecosystems.
10 Essential Birding photography Tips
Here are some essential birding photography tips to enhance your experience while on a birding safari in Rwanda:
- Use the Right Equipment: Consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens of 200mm or longer as it is the best for capturing birds at a good distance. You can as well use a tripod or monopod for stability, especially in low light.
- Know Your Subjects: by first familiarizing yourself with local bird species and their behaviors before getting to their habitats. This will help you anticipate their movements hence give you the best captures.
- Focus on Lighting: Consider going on the birding photography Shoot during the golden hours that is the early morning and late afternoon hours as this offer soft, and natural light hence best images. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can create harsh shadows.
- Be Patient: Birding photography requires an individual who is patient as it often requires waiting quietly, staying still and calm to increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot.
- Get Low: Take all positions like Kneeling or lying down for perfect shots. This perspective often results in more engaging and dramatic photos.
- Focus on the Eyes: Ensure the bird’s eyes are in focus; this adds a connection and intensity to your photos.
- Be Mindful of Backgrounds: Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that won’t distract from the subject. Position yourself to avoid busy backgrounds.
- Practice Ethical Birding: Maintain a respectful distance from birds to avoid stressing them. Use zoom lenses to capture close-ups without getting too close.
- Take Notes: Record details about your sightings, including locations and behaviors, to enhance your photography later.
- Review and Edit: After your shoot, review your photos and edit them for brightness, contrast, and color correction.