Bird watching trips in Rwanda
Bird watching trips in Rwanda: Rwanda is a birder’s paradise, with 703 bird species, 29 Albertine Rift endemics, diverse habitats, and some of Africa’s best bird watching. Rwanda is home to some of the best African mountain bird species on the planet. Rwanda is also one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism birding destinations due to its excellent road network, safety and security, and diverse ecosystems. Because of the country’s small size, numerous birding sites can be visited in a short period of time, allowing access to some of Africa’s rarest and most valuable species. Rwanda has 703 bird species (as of November 2018), with new species being added to the official list every year since 2010. There are 29 Albertine Rift endemics and numerous other species that live there.
Bird watching trips in Rwanda
There are different species of birds which should be on the bucket list of any birder looking for an adrenaline rush during their Rwanda safari!. A bird lover’s paradise, Rwanda features several birding destinations such as Nyungwe National Park in the west and Akagera National Park in the east. However, Rwanda has excellent birding opportunities close to Kigali. Nyungwe National Park is a tropical highland rainforest with 322 bird species, 13 primate species, and several plant species that are unique to the area. So far, 29 bird species have been discovered. Rwanda is the only location where these birds can be observed safely. Rwenzori churaco, handsome francolin, Rwenzori nightjar, Grauer’s warbler, regal, blue-headed, purple-eyed, Grauer’s swamp warbler, and Neumann’s warbler are among the other specialties. All of this is easily visible from the park’s well-kept trails. With luck, you may also see Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Willard’s Sooty Bowls, and other species. The Congo Gray Owl, Albertine Owlet, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird are the rarest Nyungwe species, though they have been observed. Visitors can observe these nocturnal animals during night walks. The bird watching trips in Rwanda can be done in the following birding destinations;
Akagera National Park Birding trips: Akagera National Park is a savanna park with rolling hills, lakes, wetlands, and forests. This safari park is home to Africa’s Big Five animals, but bird watching is also popular due to the diversity of the ecosystem. So far, 490 bird species have been identified in Akagera National Park. The range was restricted. The most common bird is the rhesus macaque, which can be found close to the Rhesus Game Lodge and Muimbu Campground. Other range-limited species and highlights include the Northern Bred Throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonorak, White-winged Swampwalker, Karafuto’s Citizen, White-collared Olive-back, and Gray-cheeked Crane. Shoebills can also be seen on a regular basis. Birds of prey are also present, as are numerous waterfowl.
Boat tours on Lake Ihema should provide opportunities to see waterfowl, including the African phalarope, which can be seen from the Ruzizi Tented Lodge’s deck. You can see eagle owls and other nocturnal birds on night drives.
Birding trips in Volcanoes National Park: Home to Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak, Volcanoes National Park is a heavily forested area with many inactive volcanoes. The park is well-known for its mountain gorillas, but it is also a popular birding destination, with 200 bird species recorded, 17 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Hiking to the top of Mt. Bisoke will allow you to see the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, which is similar to the Nyungwe but only found in Rwanda. There are also several lakes nearby that are worth a quick detour. Buhanga Eco-Park is also nearby and has seen African Pitta during their migration.
Birding trips in Gishwati Mukula National Park: Gishwati Mukula National Park is located in western Rwanda in the highlands above Lake Kivu. It is Rwanda’s newest national park and is currently being renovated extensively. Gishwati has 232 bird species, while Mukula has 163, with many Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists. Lake Kivu Birding Safari
Lake Kivu is an excellent stop on a birding trip. White-bellied kingfishers, kingfishers, and ospreys can be seen fishing in the lake during the migratory season. Birdwatching is also enjoyable in the gardens of the Karongi, Rubabu, and Rusizi hotels. The Dalmatian Flycatcher, as well as the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Familiar Chat, Mimizi White-throated Flycatcher, and White-throated Flycatcher, is a frequent visitor to the area. Kinunu’s surroundings are ideal.
Kigali offers birding safaris in the city. The hotel gardens are home to rare bird species, and Lake Nyarutarama, known as the “Lover’s Lake” and located on the outskirts of Kigali’s golf course, is always a good place to see many birds. Even those with only a few hours will be pleased. There are also White-bellied Olive-back, African Swamphen, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Bat Hawk, Narrow-tailed Trogon, Lesser Honeyguide, and Brown-backed Honeybird, Black-backed Owl Shrike, Olive-bellied, Red-bellied Sunbird, and many other species, in addition to African Goshawk, Palm Vulture, Crested Crested Serpent Eagle, Gray-backed Fish, and Rüppell’s Starling.
Other than above, Rwandan wetlands account for approximately 10% of the country’s land area. Rugezi, Akanyaru, and Nyabarongo wetlands have been designated as Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International. Rugezi Marsh, near Gikumbi in northwestern Rwanda, is Rwanda’s only RAMSAR site and is home to Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Oystercatcher, Papyrus Canary, and Papyrus Chironomid. Lake Nyagahunzo is an open body of water at the marsh’s southern end. Boaters can see some of the most common waterfowl in the country, including great white-winged teal and teal. Please contact Africa adventure vacations for more details.
