Birding in Rwanda.

If you enjoy both nature and birds, don’t worry—Akagera National Park has a fantastic area where you can find the majority of the park’s attractive bird species. People come to this place specifically to go birding. However, the birds can also be seen in other national parks in Rwanda, such as Nyungwe National Park and the National Park of Volcanoes. Unless you’re not a bird lover, bird watching in Akagera National Park is amazing and unforgettable.

The main reason people come to this national park is to go birding. More than 700 different bird species can be seen in the park, nestled among its many tree varieties.They can also be found in wetlands, shrubs, and swamps.In general, seeing the birds in the volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera will provide you with wonderful memories for the rest of your life and an opportunity to witness the 27 endemic species of the Albertine Rift.This is due to the fact that searching for the birds is not too exhausting as long as you focus on the early morning hours when they are still in their nests and the late evening hours when they are preparing to slumber.

Hiking to the top is occasionally necessary for birdwatching, though, in order to search for various bird species that might not be common in the park, as well as for birds that hide there or are constantly there in search of food.

When to visit Rwanda for birding

Since Rwandese enjoy bird watching year-round, there is no set time of year that birders should visit the country’s parks to engage in this sport. Nonetheless, the knowledgeable tour guides inform us that December through February are the migratory months and bird seasons, when a large number of pelearactic and wintering migrants arrive in Rwanda.

Rwanda has made an effort to acknowledge bird watching by ensuring that Kigali International Airport, all of the country’s highways, and the locations where birds are followed are updated and well-managed.

Locations in Rwanda where one can go birding:

At Volcanoes National Park

There are more than 165 different bird species in the park, and there are 17 endemic habitats for them. The mountain gorillas in this park are the main draw, though. It contains mountains with gorillas and birds coexisting, such as the Kirisimbi, Gahinga, Muhavura, and Bisoke Mountains.

In  Nyungwe National Park

As of right now, this park is the most well-liked national park for bird watching.There are numerous bird species there that draw travelers who want to see the birds.The red-collared babbler, Rwenzori turaco, attractive spur fowl, Rwenzori batis, grauers swamp warbler, blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird, and Albertine owlet are among the various bird species that can be found in Nyungwe.

At Akager National Park 

Northeastern Rwanda is where this park is situated.The portion of savannah is filled with the park.The park features broad-leaved trees scattered among a rolling grassland with acacia.More than 525 different kinds of birds can be found in the park, including the white-collared olive back, souse’s shrike, red-faced barbet, and ruaha chart.The majority of the birds in the park hide in the papyrus swamps and lakes that blanket them.

Where to stay when visiting Rwanda for birding

Camp Magashi

The Akagera National Park is where this camp is situated.It provides a traditional safari that pleases all visitors.This camp offers a camping area where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night sleeping.They have access to fire at night, which keeps them warm and shields them from savage creatures.The camp offers visitors a balcony where they can see huge game and get a taste of rustic living.Additionally, you will be able to see the unobstructed views of Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Ruzizi Tent Lodge

The national park of Akagera is home to this lodge as well. Since this is a luxury lodge, its personnel is well trained and offers its guests opulent services. There is a campsite there where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night relaxing. At night, they are given fire, which gives them warmth, light, and defense against savage animals. The lodge employs rangers who assist guests with day and night drives, as well as nightly bush hikes. The lodge features a balcony with stunning views of Lake Ihema and several bird species.

Kivu Serena Lake Hotel

This lodge is situated in Rwanda as well. The crew at this resort is highly skilled and delivers excellent services to its guests. There is a campsite there where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night relaxing. At night, they are given fire, which gives them warmth, light, and defense against savage animals. The lodge employs rangers who assist guests with day and night drives, as well as nightly bush hikes. The lodge features a balcony with stunning views of Lake Kivu and several bird species.

Kigali Serena Hotel

The luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel This lodge can be found in Kigali as well. Since this lodge is a luxury hotel, its personnel is well trained and offers excellent luxury services to its patrons. There is a campsite there where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night relaxing. At night, they are given fire, which gives them warmth, light, and defense against savage animals. The lodge features a balcony with stunning views of Lake Kivu and several bird species.

During the guests’ free time, the hotel’s swimming pool allows them to swim. There are numerous intriguing locations in Kigali where cultural events like poetry readings and traditional dances are presented. You must experience and go to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Namirembe Women’s Center, and the Natural History Museum while staying at the Kigali Serena hotel.

This lodge is situated in Rwanda as well. The crew at this resort is highly skilled and delivers excellent services to its guests. There is a campsite there where visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night relaxing. At night, they are given fire, which gives them warmth, light, and defense against savage animals. The lodge features a balcony with stunning views of Lake Kivu and several bird species.

During the guests’ free time, the hotel’s swimming pool allows them to swim. After viewing the birds, visitors can work out in the gym located there. You will have to experience Rwandan culture during your stay at the hotel, including watching Rwandan women weave baskets.

In summary

When visiting Rwanda, bird watching is an exciting and fascinating experience that shouldn’t be missed. This is a result of the tourists being drawn in by the birds’ long and melodic jumbles.