Best Places for Bird Watching in Rwanda

Rwanda offers excellent African montane birding opportunities. The country combines a great road network, safety, and diverse habitats. This makes it one of the best eco-tourism destinations in Africa. Due to its compact size, birders can visit many birding sites in a short period. In total, 703 bird species have been recorded in Rwanda as of November 2018. New species continue to be discovered, making birding even more exciting. The country hosts 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and several Lake Victoria Basin Endemics.

Most birders focus on Nyungwe Forest National Park in the west and Akagera National Park in the east. However, birding opportunities exist throughout the country, even near Kigali.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is a tropical montane rainforest with 322 bird species. It also houses 13 primate species and various endemic plants. This park features 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. The star attraction is the Red-collared Babbler, found safely in Rwanda. Other highlights include Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, and Grauer’s Warbler. Birders can also see Regal, Blue-headed, and Purple-breasted Sunbirds.

Expert bird guides lead birding tours on well-maintained trails. With time and luck, birders can spot Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou. Rare species include the Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Night-walks will soon offer chances to see elusive nocturnal birds.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a savannah park featuring hills, lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. The park offers traditional Big 5 safaris and superb birding opportunities. So far, 490 bird species have been recorded here. Akagera’s compact layout allows easy access to different habitats.

The Red-faced Barbet, a range-restricted species, is easy to find near Akagera Game Lodge. Other notable species include the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, and Carruthers’s Cisticola. Birders can also spot White-collared Oliveback and Grey-crowned Cranes. The rare Shoebill appears in the park regularly.

Lake Ihema boat trips offer views of waterbirds like the African Finfoot. Ruzizi Tented Lodge’s deck provides another great spot to see this bird. Night-drives give chances to see Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and various Nightjar species.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park lies among dormant, vegetated volcanoes. This park hosts 200 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift Endemics. Though similar to Nyungwe’s birdlife, Volcanoes offers the Scarlet-Tufted Sunbird, found only here in Rwanda. A trek up Mount Bisoke increases the chance of spotting this bird.

Several nearby lakes add birding opportunities. Buhanga Eco-Park, close to Volcanoes, has sightings of the African Pitta during migration.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest park, sits above Lake Kivu. Gishwati contains 232 bird species, while Mukura holds 163 species. Both forests feature Albertine Rift Endemics and forest specialists. Tourism options will soon become available.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu offers a relaxing birding experience. The lake hosts White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers, and migrating Ospreys. Hotel gardens in Karongi, Rubavu, and Rusizi attract species like Double-toothed Barbet. Birders can also see Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, and Brown-throated Wattle-eye.

The Kinunu area provides great birdwatching for common species. Birding here is both easy and rewarding.

Wetlands

Rwanda’s wetlands cover about 10% of the country. Birdlife International recognizes Rugezi, Akanyaru, and Nyabarongo Wetlands as Important Bird Areas. Rugezi Marsh, Rwanda’s only RAMSAR Site, supports Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Grey-crowned Cranes. Papyrus Canary and Papyrus Yellow Warbler also live here.

Lake Nyagafunzo, at the marsh’s southern end, offers boat rides. Birders can see White-backed Duck, Lesser Jacana, and other waterbirds.

Bugesera District’s wetlands, southeast of Kigali, offer accessible birding. About 415 bird species inhabit this region. Birders can find Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and Lesser Jacana. In 2014, sightings of White-backed Duck and Lesser Jacana revived interest in this area. Additional species include Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, and African Fish Eagle.

Kigali

Kigali offers excellent urban birding. Hotel gardens often attract interesting bird species. Nyarutarama Lake, near the golf course, consistently delivers great sightings. Birders can see White-collared Oliveback, African Swamphen, and Grey-headed Bushshrike.

Other species include Narina Trogon, Lesser Honeyguide, and Olive-bellied Sunbird. Palm Nut Vultures, Crested Barbet, and Rüppell’s Starling also frequent this area. Umusambi Village, opening soon, will offer close-up views of rescued Grey-crowned Cranes.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority plans to develop a new park on Kigali’s edge. This park will further expand urban birding opportunities. Wetlands around the city also provide excellent spots for birdwatching.