Highest bird-watching Locations in Rwanda

Rwanda is well-known for its birding opportunities in addition to its uncommon mountain gorilla trekking experiences when it comes to African safaris. Bird lovers need not fret, as this magnificent land supports over 750 different species of birds that thrive in a variety of environments. All of their travel needs will be met.

Rwanda is recognized for having the highest density of bird species per square kilometer in Africa. It is a small, landlocked nation covering an area of roughly 26338 square kilometers. This nation is home to several amazing environments that are home to various animals. The primary habitats are the grassland plains and marshes on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift and the montane forests in the western region.

In addition, there are a lot of lakes, rivers, wetlands, and swamps scattered throughout the stunning Rwanda and the green hills of the central region. Although Rwanda does not have any endemic bird species, the Albertine Rift does have a large number of endemic species, over 44, of which are found in Nyungwe Forest. Rwanda is the finest place to go birdwatching and primate watching because of its amazing scenery of green hills and misty volcanoes, which is home to rare and amazing animal species including mountain gorillas and numerous monkeys. When the majority of migratory birds, particularly the wintering and Palearctic migrants, congregate in the region between December and February, it is the ideal time of year for birdwatchers to visit Rwanda.

The top locations in Rwanda for bird viewing are listed below.

Kigali Capital city
The majority of Rwanda’s birdlife can be encountered at Kigali International Airport, which serves as the country’s entry point. Amazing nature walks and opportunities for birdwatching can be found at Nyarutarama Lake, also called Lover’s Lake, which is located adjacent to Kigali Golf Course. This area is home to a wide variety of local bird species. Additionally, Nyabarongo Wetland offers excellent birdwatching spots and walking routes. Never pass up the opportunity to see several bird species when visiting Kigali, like the African grey hornbill, African rock pigeon, brown-throated wattle-eyed wattle-ey, cardinal woodpecker, and many more.

Ecoregion of Albertine
The mountain ranges in this region were created by volcanic eruptions and uplift. It covers roughly five additional states in addition to the western half of Rwanda. Known as the epicenter of the Afro-Montane ecosystem, the Albertine is home to an impressive array of indigenous wildlife and flowers, including over 40 bird species, 34 mammals, 117 butterflies, 34 amphibians, and 16 reptiles. Rwanda is home to about 27 Albertine Rift endemic species, and there are many more.

Volcanoes National Park
Although tracking mountain gorillas is the park’s most well-known activity, birdwatchers are never left out. The formidable Virunga Massifs, which include Mount Muhavura, Sabinyo, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Gahinga, are situated adjacent to the park. In addition to the park’s well-known primates, the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, over 200 different kinds of birds call it home, with 17 of them being native to the region. The red-billed fir finch, cinnamon-chested bee eater, dusky fly catcher, Chubb’s Cisticola, and many more noteworthy bird species can be seen in this area.

Nyungwe Forest National Park
One of the last remaining tropical rain forests in Africa can be found in this park. More than 310 different bird species, 27 of which are indigenous to the Albertine Rift, find sanctuary there. During your birdwatching safari in the park, you may see a variety of noteworthy species, such as the Albertine owlets, red-collared babbler, blue-headed sunbird, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori turaco, and attractive spurfowls.

Akagera National Park
One of East Africa’s stunning preserved savanna grasslands is this park. It has a mix of breathtaking grassland, low-lying terrain split by the Akagera River, and broad-leaved and acacia woodland scattered throughout. Approximately 525 bird species may be found in the park, with the red-faced barbet, white collared olive back, Sousa’s shrike, and many more being the most sought-after species. The papyrus canary, papyrus gonolek, shoebill, and carruther’s Cisticola are the most sought-after birds in wetland areas, and this protected region is home to multiple marshes, lakes, and the Akagera River.

The marshes and the wetlands
Wetlands, marshes, and refuges make up about 10% of Rwanda. Wetlands at Akanyaru, Rugezi, and Nyabarongo provide a haven for the majority of waders and aquatic species.

In conclusion, Rwanda is one of Africa’s birdwatchers’ paradises because of the abundance of locations where tourists can see a variety of birds. We think that going on safari in Africa would provide you the opportunity to fulfill your aspirations of seeing a wide range of amazing birding spots. In addition to unique bird species, all of the above-mentioned locations provide amazing attractions that are definitely worth seeing.