Where to do Bird Watching in Rwanda
Bird watching in Rwanda is a truly remarkable experience, offering bird enthusiasts a diverse range of habitats, a rich variety of species, and the convenience of a well-developed road network. The country’s compact size allows for easy exploration of multiple birding sites during a single trip, making it an attractive eco-tourism destination in Africa. With a total of 703 bird species recorded as of November 2018, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and several Lake Victoria Basin Endemics, Rwanda is a must-visit for avid birders.
While there are numerous birding sites across Rwanda, two standout locations are Nyungwe National Park in the west and Akagera National Park in the east. However, birding opportunities can be found throughout the country, even near the capital city, Kigali, ensuring rewarding experiences for bird enthusiasts of all durations.
Nyungwe National Park: A Tropical Montane Paradise
Nyungwe National Park is a tropical montane rainforest located in the western part of Rwanda, boasting an impressive bird list of 322 species, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. This biodiverse ecosystem is also home to 13 species of primates and numerous endemic plant species, making it a true birding paradise.
The star attraction for birders in Nyungwe is undoubtedly the Red-collared Babbler, a stunning species that can only be reliably observed in Rwanda. Other specialities found here include the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Blue-headed, and Purple Breasted Sunbirds, as well as Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Neumann’s Warbler. Expert bird guides and a well-maintained network of trails in the park make birdwatching a delightful experience.
For those with more time and a bit of luck, sightings of Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird are possible. Night-walks in the park offer opportunities to spot elusive nocturnal species.
Akagera National Park: A Savannah Gem with Birding Treasures
In contrast to Nyungwe, Akagera National Park is a savannah park located in the east of Rwanda, characterized by rolling hills, lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. With 490 bird species documented to date, it offers both a traditional African Big 5 safari experience and excellent birding opportunities.
The sought-after Red-faced Barbet, a range-restricted species, can be easily spotted around Akagera Game Lodge and Muyumbu campsite. Other notable species include the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Winged Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, White-collared Oliveback, and Grey-crowned Cranes. Birders also have a good chance of observing the majestic Shoebill, which is regularly seen in the park.
A boat trip on Lake Ihema provides excellent views of waterbird species, with the possibility of spotting the African Finfoot, often observed from the deck at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Night-drives offer the potential to encounter several nocturnal bird species, including Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and various Nightjar species.
Volcanoes National Park: Home to Mountain Gorillas and Unique Birds
Volcanoes National Park, located in a region of dormant volcanoes covered in lush vegetation, is renowned for its Mountain Gorillas. However, it also offers a promising birding experience, with 200 bird species, including 17 Albertine Rift Endemics.
Bird species in this area are similar to those in Nyungwe, but the Scarlet-Tufted Sunbird is exclusive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Birdwatchers looking to spot this particular species should embark on a trek to the summit of Mount Bisoke. Additionally, the park’s surrounding lakes offer opportunities for birding detours. Buhanga Eco-Park, nearby, has reported sightings of the African Pitta during migration season.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park: A Conservation Effort with Birding Potential
Gishwati-Mukura National Park, situated in western Rwanda above Lake Kivu, is the country’s newest national park undergoing extensive rehabilitation efforts. While tourism options are still in development, the park’s forests are home to a variety of birdlife, with Gishwati hosting 232 species and Mukura 163 species, including several Albertine Rift Endemics and forest specialists.
Lake Kivu: A Relaxing Stopover with Birding Highlights
Lake Kivu provides a tranquil stopover for birding enthusiasts. The lake supports large populations of White-breasted Cormorants, and Ospreys can be spotted during migration season while they fish. The lake’s shores are home to common terrestrial species, and hotel gardens in towns such as Karongi, Rubavu, and Rusizi offer interesting birdwatching opportunities. Species like the Double-tooth Barbet, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, and Spot-flanked Barbet are regularly observed in this region.
Wetlands: Key Birding Hotspots in Rwanda
Rwanda’s wetlands and marshes, covering approximately 10% of the country, provide essential habitats for numerous bird species. Rugezi Marsh in northwestern Rwanda, designated as the country’s only RAMSAR Site, hosts populations of Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Grey-crowned Cranes, Papyrus Canary, and even reports of the Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Nearby, Lake Nyagafunzo offers the opportunity to see common waterbirds and the possibility of encountering White-backed Duck and Lesser Jacana.
The wetlands and lakes in Bugesera District, southeast of Kigali, offer accessible birding opportunities with a diversity of habitats. Over 415 bird species have been recorded in this region, including Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, Lesser Jacana, and White-backed Duck. Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, and numerous waterbirds and savannah species can also be spotted in this area.
Urban Birding in Kigali: A Pleasant Surprise
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, provides opportunities for urban birding. Hotel gardens often host interesting bird species, and Nyarutarama Lake, also known as “Lover’s Lake” on the edge of the Kigali golf course, is a productive birding spot. Some of the species you may encounter include White-collared Oliveback, African Swamphen, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Bat Hawk, Narina Trogon, Lesser Honeyguide, Brown-backed Honeybird, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, Olive-bellied, Red-chested Sunbird, and Bronzy Sunbirds. The Umusambi Village, home to rescued Grey-crowned Cranes, offers close-up views of these majestic birds, with around 100 species spotted in the restored habitat. Additionally, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority is developing a park at the city’s edge, promising more opportunities for urban birding. Further good birding sites can be found at wetlands on the city’s outskirts.
The best time for bird watching in Rwanda
The best time for bird watching in Rwanda is during the dry season, which typically spans from June to September and then again from December to February. This period offers ideal conditions for bird enthusiasts to explore the country’s diverse avian population.
During the dry season, Rwanda’s weather is characterized by mild temperatures and lower humidity levels. These climatic conditions make birdwatching more comfortable and enjoyable as you explore the country’s various habitats. The dry season also coincides with the northern hemisphere’s winter, attracting migratory bird species to Rwanda, further enhancing the birdwatching experience.
Rwanda boasts a rich variety of bird species, with over 700 different types documented. The lush montane forests, savannas, wetlands, and lakeshores provide a diverse range of habitats, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable birdwatching destinations in Rwanda include the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and the shores of Lake Kivu.
During the dry season, the vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility and easier bird spotting. Many bird species are also more active during this time, engaging in breeding activities, courtship displays, and territorial calls. Key bird species to look out for in Rwanda include the African fish eagle, grey-crowned crane, Rwenzori turaco, and the sought-after Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird and the Grauer’s swamp warbler.
To maximize your birdwatching experience, consider hiring a local bird guide who can help you navigate the terrain and identify the diverse birdlife. Additionally, be sure to bring binoculars, a field guidebook, and a camera to capture the incredible avian diversity that Rwanda has to offer.
