Best Spots for Birdwatchers in Burundi
Best Spots for Birdwatchers in Burundi: Due to its diverse ecosystem, that range from the shores of Lake Tanganyika to deep montane rainforests and high-altitude grasslands, Burundi is a great hotspot for birding despite its small size. For enthusiastic birdwatchers, Burundi provides the excitement of spotting several endemics of the Albertine Rift as well as other common African bird species.
Why go to Burundi for Birdwatching?
Biodiversity: For such a small country, over 600 bird species have been recorded in Burundi.
Albertine Rift Endemics: Burundi is a significant destination for experienced bird lovers since it is home to a number of species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Undisturbed Habitats: Many birding locations in Burundi are not affected by mass tourism thus provide more natural birding settings giving a chance to birders great opportunities to spot a number of different bird species
Accessibility: Most of the important birding sites are frequently close to one another hence making it easy for tourists to transfer from one birding spot to the other.
Best Places to go for Birdwatching in Burundi
Kibira National Park
This is the country’s top birding site with no doubt. This vast, high-altitude montane rainforest in Burundi is part of Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest hosting a number of different wildlife bird species among which include: Numerous endemic species of the Albertine Rift, such as the African Emerald Cuckoo, Stripe-breasted Tit, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Turaco, and other forest kingfishers. Keep an eye out for sunbirds, barbets, and forest hornbills.
Guided nature walks within the forest offer the best possibilities to spot variety species of birds with the use binoculars during guided excursions along woodland trails. A good field guide and binoculars are necessary.
Rusizi National Park
Situated where Rusizi River drains into Lake Tanganyika, just outside of Bujumbura. Waterbirds and savanna species of birds are drawn to this park’s combination of wetlands, marshes, reedbeds, and acacia forests. Various species of birds can be spotted in this park such as water birds, including a variety of egrets and cormorants, as well as the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, and African Jacana. Pied Kingfishers, Great White Pelicans, and other waders and weavers are also seen.
There are excellent opportunities for birdwatching from both guided nature walks, game drives and boat cruise safaris on Rusizi River.
Lake Tanganyika shores and Wetlands (particularly around Bujumbura)
This great freshwater lake and the wetlands that surround the lake are home to a wide variety of aquatic life more so the bird life: Numerous species like egrets, gulls, terns, herons, pelicans, and cormorants may be found. During some seasons, look out for the beautiful African Skimmer can be spotted on a birding day
Bururi Natural Forest Reserve:
This is an important high-altitude forest found in southern Burundi and it is part of ecological of Kibira.
Some key species of birds that can be spotted on a birding day in Bururi forest include; endemic species of the Albertine Rift. Numerous sunbirds, flycatchers, turacos, and forest owls are among the species that are frequently found here. By walking through this forest reserve offers opportunities for spotting great and entertaining birds
Ruvubu National Park
The largest national park in Burundi situated in the eastern region of the country and is distinguished by its savannah, forests, and wetlands along River Ruvubu.
Various bird Species can be spotted in this national park that may not be found in forests provides. Some savanna species of birds such as bustards, plovers, raptors, and several francolins etc. Although the park is unpopular, it has a lot to offer to bird lovers most which can be spotted during game drives, nature walks and while on boat cruise safaris
Tips for a great Birdwatching in Burundi
A field guide and binoculars are very necessary. Invest in a thorough field guide to East African birds and a decent set of binoculars.
Hire skilled local guide: Hiring a local birding guide can greatly improve your experience, even if self-guided birding can be enjoyable. They are familiar with unusual species’ sounds, habitats, and birding spots.
Patience and Silence: Birdwatching requires both silence and patience of birdwatchers.
Timing: Better timing leads to a successful birding activity birds are best spotted in the early morning and late afternoon.
Protection: Bring a hat or sunscreen, use insect repellents, and dress in long sleeves and pants.
Shoes: Suitable and comfortable shoes are essential for walking through a variety of terrains.
When is the best time to go birding in Burundi?
The best time for birdwatching in Burundi is from June to September during the dry season for better access to the best birding spots and clear visibility, then from October to April in the rainy season for those more interested in migratory birds. Whereas during the early morning hours and late afternoon hours are also a perfect time for bird watching activity because during this time, there’s increased bird activity such as movement and singing.
