Bird Watching Destinations in Rwanda is a unique adventure for birding enthusiastic, offering a diverse range of habitats that support a rich avian biodiversity. The country’s varied landscapes, including dense rainforests, wetlands, and savannahs, provide habitat for numerous bird species, including some rare and endemic ones. Here are some key locations and bird watching tips for enthusiasts visiting Rwanda.
Rwanda is famous for its numerous bird species. The Albertine Rift Valley passes through western Rwanda. This rift gives way to a deep valley surrounded by high mountains, some of which are amongst the highest in Africa. The unique landscape and climate of the Albertine Rift in Rwanda is the cause of the 29 Albertine Rift Endemic bird species which only live here. The diverse habitats of the region is what is behind Rwanda as the best montane birding in Africa.
Bird watching destinations in Rwanda
Bird watching safari in Nyungwe National park
Bird watching in Nyungwe National Park
Habitat: Montane rainforest.
Nyungwe national Park is one of the last and largest remaining montane forest in Eastern Africa and home to over 300 bird species with 16 endemic species, 27 Albertine rift endemics and 121 forest species including;
Birds of Nyungwe National park | Bird Watching Destinations in Rwanda
Great Blue Turaco
Ruwenzori Turaco
Malachite kingfisher
African pygmy kingfisher
Gray-headed kingfisher
Woodland kingfisher
Giant kingfisher
Pied kingfisher
Little bee-eater
Blue-breasted bee-eater
Cinnamon-chested bee-eater
White-throated bee-eater
European bee-eater
Broad-billed roller
Gray-throated barbet
Western tinkerbird
Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
Handsome Spurfowl
Scaly Spurfowl
Little Grebe
Speckled Pigeon
Afep Pigeon
Rameron Pigeon
Lemon Dove
Dusky Turtle-Dove
Red-eyed Dove
Ring-necked Dove
Laughing Dove
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove
Blue-spotted Wood-Dove
Tambourine Dove
Birdwatchers can explore the park’s trails and canopy walkway for unique sightings.
Check full birding checklist of Nyungwe national park. (link to birds of Nyungwe national park)
Bird watching in Akagera National Park
Habitat: Savannah, wetlands, and lakes.
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is a diverse and scenic location for bird watching, offering a variety of habitats that attract a wide range of bird species.
Akagera national park is a birding paradise with over 480 species of birds that are attracted by its diverse habitant.
The park is known for its savannah landscapes, lakes, and wetlands, providing a home for both resident and migratory birds.
Consider taking a boat safari on Lake Ihema to get closer to water birds and observe their behavior along the shores.
Many bird species can be spotted during game drives. Pay attention to the trees, especially those near water sources, for perched birds.
Birds of Akagera National park
White-faced Whistling-Duck
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
White-backed Duck
Knob-billed Duck
Egyptian Goose
Spur-winged Goose
African Pygmy-Goose
Blue-billed Teal
Yellow-billed Duck
Red-billed Duck
Tambourine Dove
Namaqua Dove
African Green-Pigeon
Denham’s Bustard
Black-bellied Bustard
White-crested Turaco
Rare/Accidental
Purple-crested Turaco
Ross’s Turaco
Bare-faced Go-away-bird
Eastern Plantain-eater
Blue-headed Coucal
White-browed Coucal
Black Coucal
African Spoonbill
Secretarybird
Rare/Accidental
Osprey
Black-winged Kite
African Harrier-Hawk
Palm-nut Vulture
Rare/Accidental
European Honey-buzzard
African Cuckoo-Hawk
White-headed Vulture
Lappet-faced Vulture
Hooded Vulture
White-backed Vulture
Check full birding checklist of Akagera national park. (link to birds of Akagera national park)
Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
Habitat: Bamboo and Afro-alpine zones.
While Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is primarily renowned for its iconic mountain gorilla trekking experiences, the park also offers opportunities for bird watching. The lush and diverse vegetation, combined with the high-altitude habitats, make it an excellent location for spotting various bird species.
The park holds a rich avifauna which includes many of the Albertine Rift endemics. Three globally threatened species namely; Lagden’s Bush-shrike, African Green Broadbill, and Kivu Ground Thrush. Besides, 17 of the 25 species of the Albertine Rift Mountains Endemic Bird Area and 53 of the 74 species of the Afrotropical Highlands biome that occur in Rwanda have been recorded at the site.
Birds of Volcanoes national park Rwanda
Blue-headed Coucal
Klaas’s Cuckoo
African Emerald Cuckoo
Diederick Cuckoo
Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
Red-chested Cuckoo
Black Crake
Red-knobbed Coot
Grey Crowned Crane
Ruwenzori Turaco
Black-billed Turaco
Marabou
Yellow-billed Stork
Gray-hooded Gull
White-winged Tern
Black-winged Kite
African Harrier Hawk
White-headed Vulture
Hooded Vulture
Crowned Eagle
Martial Eagle
Long-crested Eagle
Tawny Eagle
Little Sparrowhawk
vambo Sparrowhawk
Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk
Black Sparrowhawk
Black Kite
Peregrine Falcon
Brown-necked Parrot
Black Cuckooshrike
Ruwenzori Batis
Chinspot Batis
Lagden’s Bush-shrike
Northern Puffback
Brown-crowned Tchagra
Mountain Sooty Boubou
Albertine Sooty Boubou
Lühder’s Bush-shrike
Tropical Boubou
Doherty’s Bush-shrike
Mackinnon’s Shrike
Northern Fiscal
White-necked Raven
Pied Crow
African Paradise-flycatcher
Collared Sunbird
What to Pack for Bird Watching safaris in Rwanda
When packing for bird watching in Rwanda, you’ll want to make sure you have the essentials to fully enjoy your experience. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
- A pair of Binoculars: Invest in a good pair of binoculars. Opt for ones with a magnification of at least 8x to 10x and a wide field of view for better bird spotting.
- Field Guide: Bring a field guide specific to the birds of Rwanda or East Africa. This will help you identify the different species you encounter. We recommend a Birds of East Africa by Helm Field guides.
- Camera with Telephoto Lens: Capture the beauty of Rwanda’s avifauna with a camera equipped with a telephoto lens. This will allow you to photograph birds from a distance without disturbing them.
- Appropriate Clothing: Rwanda’s climate can vary, but generally, lightweight, breathable clothing in earthy tones is recommended. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can protect you from sunburn and insect bites. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Sturdy Footwear: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes are essential, especially if you’ll be trekking through different habitats.
- Rain Gear: Rwanda can experience sudden rain showers, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects by packing insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Sunscreen: Even on overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
- Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated during your birding excursions by bringing along a refillable water bottle and energy-boosting snacks like trail mix or energy bars.
- First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
- Backpack: Carry all your essentials in a comfortable, lightweight backpack that’s easy to carry during hikes.
- Notebook and Pen: Keep track of the birds you observe by jotting down notes in a waterproof notebook.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: If you plan to go birding at dawn or dusk, a flashlight or headlamp will help you navigate in low light conditions.
- Bird Call App or Whistle: Some birders use bird call apps or whistles to attract birds for better viewing, though this should be done responsibly and sparingly to avoid disturbing the birds.