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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Sturdy Footwear: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes are essential, especially if you’ll be trekking through different habitats.
6. Rain Gear: Rwanda can experience sudden rain showers, so pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry.
7. Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other biting insects by packing insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
11. Backpack: Carry all your essentials in a comfortable, lightweight backpack that’s easy to carry during hikes.
12. Notebook and Pen: Keep track of the birds you observe by jotting down notes in a waterproof notebook.
13. 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.
14. 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.