12 Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Trek
Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers an exceptional birdwatching experience that takes you through diverse ecosystems, from verdant montane forests to sprawling savannahs, lakes, and wetlands. This 12 days Rwanda Birding Safari is an extraordinary adventure, guiding you to some of the country’s most famous birding spots, including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Lake Kivu. With over 700 bird species in Rwanda, including Albertine Rift endemics and migratory species, this safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe rare and unique birds in their natural habitats.
Whether you are a passionate birder or simply a nature lover, the breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant birdlife make this safari an unforgettable adventure. Additionally, for those who seek a deeper connection with Rwanda’s wilderness, an optional gorilla trekking experience adds an element of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.
Highlights of the 12 Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Trek
- Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park – Spot
- Exploring Akagera National Park
- Birding in Volcanoes National Park
- Boat Safari on Lake Ihema –
- Scenic Birding at Lake Kivu –
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Wetland Birding in Swamps & Marshes
- Encountering Rare and Endangered Birds
- Diverse Habitats & Landscapes
- Stunning Photography Opportunities
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Your Rwanda birding safari begins as you arrive in Kigali, the capital city. A representative from Kagera Safaris will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance for a brief Kigali city tour. Kigali is a vibrant city that boasts a blend of rich history, culture, and modernity.
Drive time: 20 minutes
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2: Birding to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s largest montane rainforests and a birdwatcher’s paradise. During the drive, we’ll make several stops for birding, including visits to swampy marshes and papyrus habitats, where you may spot White-winged Warblers, Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. Upon reaching Nyungwe, you’ll settle into your lodge for the evening, surrounded by the forest’s natural beauty.
Drive time: 7 hours or Helicopter transfer (35 minutes)
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest
Days 3 & 4: Birding in Nyungwe Forest – Albertine Rift Endemics
Nyungwe Forest is renowned for its Albertine Rift endemics. Over the next two days, you’ll immerse yourself in the forest’s diverse habitats, seeking rare bird species like the Handsome Francolin, Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Olive Woodpeckers, Chestnut Owlet, and several species of Sunbirds, including Regal and Purple-breasted Sunbirds. Additional species to look for include Red-collared Babbler, White-bellied Robin Chat, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Archer’s Robin Chat.
As you explore this pristine environment, you may also encounter other wildlife such as Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, with an optional chimpanzee trekking experience available.
Optional activities: Chimpanzee trekking, Colobus monkey trekking, and canopy walk
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Your guide will lead you through the forest to track the chimps as they begin their morning activities. After locating them, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging, but it offers a rewarding and memorable experience. Afterward, continue birding in the area to search for any species you may have missed.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest
Day 6: Birding to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, travel northwards toward Lake Kivu, making several birding stops along the way in marshy, forested, and agricultural areas. The journey offers a chance to encounter more species in various habitats. Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy birding along the shores, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Drive time: 3 hours
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
In the morning, we begin our journey to Volcanoes National Park, the heart of Rwanda’s mountainous terrain. This area is shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is home to the famed Virunga volcanoes. Along the way, we’ll stop at a patch of forest to look for Narina’s Trogon and other species. Afterward, we’ll continue our drive to Musanze/Kinigi, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll rest for the night before your gorilla trekking adventure.
Drive time: 3 hours
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience: meeting the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at the park’s visitor center, you’ll be divided into groups and guided to the gorilla families, where you will spend one hour observing these incredible creatures in the wild. After the trek, you can choose to relax at the lodge or enjoy some casual birding around the grounds.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park area
Day 9: Birding to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania. Akagera is famous for its savannah landscapes, wetlands, and extensive birdlife. En route, we’ll stop at marshy areas to observe species like the Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred Ibis, and Augur Buzzard. Upon arrival at Akagera, you’ll check into your lodge and relax for the evening.
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Days 10 & 11: Birding in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers incredible birding opportunities in its diverse habitats, including savannah, wetlands, and woodlands. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ihema, where you may see African Fish Eagles, Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Rufous-bellied Herons, and Grey Crowned Cranes. On land, we’ll explore the park’s savannah and woodland areas for species such as the Pearl-spotted Owlet, Brown Snake Eagle, and Red-faced Barbet. Akagera is also home to a variety of wildlife, including buffalo, zebras, elephants, and giraffes.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Day 12: Return to Kigali – End of Rwanda Birding Safari
On your final day, enjoy some last-minute birding around the lodge before beginning the journey back to Kigali. Along the way, we’ll stop to bird the beautiful landscapes, adding any final species to your list. Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your return flight, completing your unforgettable birding journey through Rwanda.
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Key Bird Species to spot on 12 Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Trek
- Shoebill
- Great Blue and Rwenzori Turacos
- White-headed Wood-hoopoe
- Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
- Chestnut Owlet
- Olive Woodpecker
- Mountain Masked Apalis
- Handsome Francolin
- Secretary Bird
- Western Banded Eagle
- African Hawk Eagle
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Caruther’s Cisticola
- Collared Pratincole
- Malachite Kingfisher
- African Finfoot
- Red-chested Flufftail
- Purple-breasted and Regal Sunbirds
Habitats to cover
- Montane Forests
- Savannah and Woodlands
- Papyrus Swamps
- Agricultural Lands
- Wetlands and Lakes
Experience Rwanda like never before on this in-depth birding safari, where rare species, stunning landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters await at every turn.