9 Days Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda

Upon your arrival in Kigali, an experienced Safari guide will welcome you. After a brief introduction to the tour, you will head to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda. This park features swamp, savannah, and montane vegetation zones, making it a prime habitat for many bird species and animals. You will see birds such as the shoebill and Papyrus Gonolek, and animals like elephants, hippos, buffalo, lions, rhinos, zebras, and monkeys. Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 2: Whole Day Birding in Akagera National Park

After breakfast, spend the entire day birding in Akagera National Park. With over 500 bird species to spot, including the White-crowned Black Chat, Greater Blue-eared Starling, and Goliath Heron, the day promises to be both exciting and challenging. You will also see various wildlife like giraffes, elephants, hippopotamuses, and zebras. Return to the lodge in the evening for your final night in Akagera.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park. The drive will take you through several birding spots and the scenic Rwandan countryside. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Overnight at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Full Board).

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the tracking point for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Guided by park personnel, you will trek through the thick rainforest to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. Spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy leisurely bird watching in the park. Overnight at Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Full Board).

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, leave for Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south, a journey of about 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful scenery, village homesteads, and local farms. Arrive at your lodge in Nyungwe in the afternoon. Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Full Board).

Day 6: Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Start your day with early morning breakfast before heading out for birding. Nyungwe Forest is rich in biodiversity and home to over 270 bird species, including the Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Regal Sunbird, and Ruwenzori Turaco. The park’s diverse climate and habitats provide an ideal environment for bird watching. Return to the lodge in the evening for rest and recuperation.

Day 7: Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, continue birding in Nyungwe Forest. This second day allows you to spot species missed previously and to add new birds to your checklist. By exploring different areas, you might see nocturnal species like the Rwenzori Nightjar and Albertine Owlet as night falls. Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Full Board).

Day 8: Drive to Kigali and Birding

In the morning, drive back to Kigali, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, visit nearby birding spots and pay a visit to the Murambi Genocide Memorial and the National Museum. Spend the night at your chosen Kigali accommodation, reflecting on your enriching safari experience.

Day 9: Departure

Right from the bed, you will be served a mouthwatering breakfast meal, after which you will check out of the lodge for a remarkable drive to Kigali for your flight to the next destination.