5 Days Bird Watching Safari takes you through some of Rwanda’s most diverse birding hotspots, including Akagera National Park, Nyabarongo Wetlands, Bugesera, and Nyarutarama Lake. Rwanda’s strategic location within the Albertine Rift, combined with its varied landscapes, supports over 700 bird species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics. This safari is an excellent opportunity for bird enthusiasts to explore Rwanda’s rich avian biodiversity.
Highlights of 5 Days Bird Watching Safari in Rwanda
- Birdwatching at Nyabarongo Wetlands
- Birding at Nyarutarama Lake
- Game Drive in Akagera National Park
- Exploring Akagera’s Wetlands
- Scenic Savannah Birding
- Birding in Bugesera
- Kigali City Tour
- Optional Extension to Nyungwe Forest
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our tour guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a city tour, visiting cultural and historical landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This visit provides an insightful introduction to Rwanda’s past and resilience. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your preferred accommodation.
Accommodation Options:
- High-end: Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Chez Lando Hotel
- Budget: Accord Hotel
- Meal Plan: Half Board (HB)
Day 2: Bird Watching at Nyabarongo Wetlands & Nyarutarama Lake
Start your morning with an early drive to Nyabarongo Wetlands, a key birding site home to species such as the White-winged Scrub Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, and Lesser Jacana. The wetlands are also a refuge for water-associated birds, including the Yellow-billed Stork and African Openbill.
After lunch, continue to Nyarutarama Lake, an artificial lake near Kigali Golf Course. The site hosts species such as the African Fish Eagle, Grey-capped Warbler, Pygmy Kingfisher, and White-browed Coucal.
Accommodation Options:
- High-end: Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Chez Lando Hotel
- Budget: Accord Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Day 3: Game Drive & Birding in Akagera National Park
After breakfast, journey to the eastern part of Rwanda to explore Akagera National Park. The park’s savannah, acacia woodlands, and papyrus swamps provide diverse habitats for numerous bird species. Expect sightings of the Red-faced Barbet, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Carruther’s Cisticola, and White-winged Warbler. Raptors such as the African Fish Eagle and Bateleur can also be spotted.
The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the wetlands and lakes, with a chance to see the elusive Shoebill and other water birds such as the African Jacana, Black Crake, and White-backed Duck.
Accommodation Options:
- High-end: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Day 4: Extended Game Drive & Transfer to Kigali
Begin the day with another game drive through Akagera National Park, exploring different birding tracks and increasing the chance of spotting species like Ross’s Turaco, Grey Crowned Crane, and Heuglin’s Robin-Chat. You may also encounter mammals such as giraffes, zebras, elephants, and buffaloes.
After lunch, exit the park and return to Kigali for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- High-end: Serena Hotel
- Midrange: Chez Lando Hotel
- Budget: Accord Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Day 5: Bird Watching in Bugesera & Departure
Following breakfast, head to Bugesera Valley, an excellent birding region south of Kigali. This area is home to birds such as the White-collared Oliveback, African Green Pigeon, and the Red-chested Cuckoo.
In addition to birdwatching, visit the genocide memorial sites of Ntarama and Nyamata for historical insights into Rwanda’s past. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also enjoy a brief Kigali city tour before your airport transfer.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch (B & L)
Optional Extension to Nyungwe National Park
For those with extra time, this birding tour can be extended to Nyungwe National Park, which boasts over 310 bird species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
End of the 5 Days Bird Watching Safari in Rwanda.