Bird Watching in Rwanda - Top 6 Best Spots for Travelers

With a big bird list of over 750 types, Top 6 Bird Watching Spots in Rwanda is so fun! Rwanda has the most birds per small area in Africa even though it is a tiny land of only 26,338 square kilometers. By moving through a small space or spending a short time on the bird path, bird watching in Rwanda will show you lots of bird types. You can also get easy paths and see rare and hard-to-find birds.

In this piece, Rwanda Immigration Services will look at the best places for bird trips in Rwanda. Check out the many living spaces and spot the key bird types that live in this East African land, which is for sure a must-do in your life.

When To Bird Watching In Rwanda?

All year round! However, the migration bird season, which runs from December to February, is when Rwanda hosts a large influx of wintering and Pelearactic migrants.

The infrastructure needed for birdwatching, including roads, lodging, and trails, has been constructed. Trained professional bird guides are available to lead Rwanda birding tours. 

Bird watching in Rwanda is immensely enjoyable

The 6 Best Places For Bird Watching In Rwanda

Rwanda has never been recognized as a top birding destination; instead, the image of the country that most people associate with it is that of its mountain gorillas. The majority of Rwanda's other tourist attractions have been eclipsed in prominence by the country's mountain gorillas.

However, with an astounding 703 bird species dispersed across various habitats, including 29 Albertine RiftEndemics, Rwanda is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can choose Rwanda birding tours depending on their personal interests.

1. Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is the biggest and oldest high land woods in Africa. It has over 300 types of birds and 13 types of primates, along with many rare plant types. One of the top spots to see birds eat in the tree tops is on top of Bigugu Mountain in the woods. You can also step out of the woods and go to the bird-loved Gisakura tea farm.

The Red-collared Babbler is maybe the most liked and good looking type in Nyungwe National Park. Also, the Nyungwe Forest has these types: Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine owlet, Blue-headed sunbird, Grauer's Swamp Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Handsome spur fowls, Neumann's Warbler, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, and Regal sunbird.

Rwanda has never been recognized as a top birding destination

2. Volcanoes National Park

This park is best known for gorilla trips, golden monkeys, and climbing one of the big hills like Karisimbi. But, this does not change the fact that it is one of the best spots to see birds from Rwanda.

Around 200 types of birds live in the park. Of these, sixteen are only found in the volcano area of the Virunga mountains, and 27 are unique to Rwanda. It is a key place to go for birdwatching to see rare birds, enjoy the great views of the Virunga area, and maybe even spot some gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is top places to see Rwanda birds

3. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a park with flat land, trees, water, up and down small hills, and wet spots. It gives a real Big 5 African trip, but it also has great birdwatching due to the mix of homes for animals. 

In Akagera National Park, 490 types of birds have been found up to now, with Rwanda's own bird - Illusiveshoebill. The park feels like other parks around, but its small size lets you see many homes for animals and make a big list of birds.

 Rwanda has the highest bird density per square kilometer in Africa 

4. Birding around Kigali City

When visiting Rwanda or Uganda, one can begin birding as soon as they exit the airport or even in the larger cities. Kigali is the entry point into the country through the Kigali International Airport and therefore offers your first opportunity to watch birds in Rwanda.

While you can begin your birding adventure in Kigali from the hotel grounds, it might be wiser to head to Lak Nyarutarama, which is adjacent to the city's main golf course. There are beautiful trails and walks around this lake that are great for seeing flying geese, black-headed herons, grey-capped warblers, and white-faced whistling ducks. 

Additionally, you can spot yellow-billed storks, spur-winged geese, squacco turaco, and tiny egrets by visiting the Nyabarongo swamp. In Rwanda, Mount Kigali is also a great place to go birdwatching. 

Begin your birding adventure in Kigali from the hotel grounds

5. Lake Kivu

More people are aware of Lake Kivu because of its stunning beaches, islands, and reputation as one of Rwanda's top locations for sport fishing. However, it's often overlooked that the lake itself stands as a prominent birdwatching locale. The lake's and its islands' scenic qualities  attract White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Kingfishers.

During certain months of the year, thousands of migratory birds can be seen feeding around the lake alongside the locals. For the whole Lake Kivu birdwatching experience, you have to go to Nkora Island. Nkora Island is a small fishing village home to a remarkable variety of aquatic birds, including cave bats. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to interact with local fisherman and discover how they make ends meet.

Lake Kivu's Common Paradise Flycatcher
 

6. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Located in Rwanda's northwest, this is the country's newest national park. Gishwati was regarded as Rwanda's top birding destination with 395 species available even before it was designated as a national park. 

The Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Martial Eagle, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Grey Crowned Crane are a few of them. 

While finding birds, expect to encounter baboons, golden and blue monkeys, and chimpanzees.  You should visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park during the dry season for the best birdwatching experience.

Gishwati was regarded as Rwanda's top birding destination
 

Packing List For Watching Birds In Rwanda

To have a great time bird watching in Rwanda, make sure you have good binoculars, guides, strong shoes for walking, and lots of water and food. You should have a smart local guide with you to show you the best spots for birds and help you tell one bird from another.

Binoculars: 

If you want to watch birds, you must get binoculars. They are key when you get ready for a bird trip in Rwanda. The birds in Africa are often shy, and they might fly away if you get too near or if they think you are not from there.

Birdwatchers must need binoculars

A Camera:

If you can't take good bird pics to show your pals and the bird-loving crowd, why have binoculars? A top-notch camera is key for a fun bird-watching trip.

A Portable voice recorder:

Birds make lots of cool sounds and calls. The best way to record these is with a good, small sound recorder. This will help you figure out the birds later when you're back in your room and going over your notes.

Birding books on Rwanda: 

To spot the birds you saw, bird books are key. You can buy these books at parks and top bird spots.

Insect repellant:

Birds love areas with many bugs. They eat bugs, fruits, and seeds. Some bugs like wasps, bees, and mosquitoes can bite hard. Bring strong bug spray to keep them away.

Birds thrive in places with lots of insects

Drinking water and food:

Sometimes, bird trips are long and make you tired and dry. The best fix is to drink water and eat snacks. Most bird spots lack food shops. It's wise to pack snacks and water to avoid hunger and thirst in the wild.

A Birdwatcher's Paradise Awaits Your Discovery

Rwanda has many types of land and lots of different living things, making it a top place for bird fans. If you look in the tall tree lands of Volcanoes and Nyungwe or the flat lands of Akagera, bird fans will get great views and meet many kinds of birds. With its pretty views, lots of animals, and kind people, Rwanda is a true bird fan dream, ready to be seen.

When you plan your bird trip in Rwanda, be sure to sort your travel plans well by getting a Rwanda e-Visa on our site. Getting Rwanda eVisa lets you get your travel right from the web, so you don't have to go to places like embassies. With an easy form and quick times, the Rwanda eVisa gives you a simple way to get ready for your trip.