Birding in Nyungwe National Park.

Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers thrilling adventures for bird lovers in Rwanda, often referred to as the land of a thousand hills. The park is a paradise for bird watchers, situated in the western region of the country and spanning an area of about 1,019 square kilometers. It boasts rich ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, woodlands, and grasslands, which provide habitats for various bird species.

Nyungwe Forest has been classified by BirdLife International as an important bird area in Rwanda, highlighting its significance for global conservation and bird populations. It is recognized as one of the most crucial forests for the conservation of montane birds in the region. Over 310 bird species call Nyungwe home, including 29 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as the Red-collared Mountain Babbler, the Albertine Owlet, the Ruwenzori Turaco, the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the Handsome Francolin, among others.

As you wander through the jungle, you will be delighted by the melodic songs of these birds. The air is alive with a chorus of bird songs, sweet whistles, sharp calls, and melodic notes drifting from the canopy above, filling the forest with their unique voices. For bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, the songs in Nyungwe are more than just background noise; they serve as a living reminder of the forest’s richness and vitality.

Purple- breasted sunbird

Birding Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Nyungwe Forests offers many birding trails that will enable you to indulge yourself in the rich avian life of this beautiful tropical rainforest. Whether one is an enthusiastic starter or a passionate birder, the trails of Nyungwe forest promise thrilling birding encounters with unique bird species. Some of the notable birding trails include;

Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail: This trail is an amazing 6 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It offers incredible opportunities to experience wildlife and plant life. The trail features large swamps that are rich in orchids, frogs, and birdlife. Notable species include Grauer’s swamp warbler, Grey-crested Kakamega, Short-tailed warbler, and the Great Blue Turaco, which is often seen among the vegetation.

Bigugu Trail: This is a challenging trail that takes approximately 6 hours to complete and spans about 13 kilometers. It is named after Mount Bigugu, the highest peak in the park. While on this trail, keep an eye out for birds, including the elusive red-collared mountain babbler, which is a highlight for birdwatchers, the active stripe-breasted tit often seen in tree branches, and the small chestnut owlet that lives in tree cavities, among others.

Karamba Trail: The birding trail in the northern part of Nyungwe is one of the most rewarding experiences in the forest. This area was once a gold mine and later a quarry site, which has left it more open compared to other regions in the park. The trail is approximately 4 km long and is considered one of the easiest, making it excellent for birding safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

While traversing this trail, you can expect to encounter a variety of bird species, including the iconic Great Blue Turaco, often seen perched high in fruiting trees; the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the elusive Dusky Crimsonwing, which can be hard to spot. You’ll also find the beautifully iridescent Regal Sunbird and the White-bellied Robin-chat, commonly seen singing from shrubs. All of these aspects make birding on this trail highly rewarding.

The mighty Great Blue Turaco

Bird Species in Nyungwe Forest

Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a remarkable activity for tourists interested in exploring the rich avian life of the forest. The park is home to unique bird species, and some of the fascinating ones to encounter include Neumann’s Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Twinspot, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Grauer’s Broadbill, Mountain Masked Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dwarf Honeyguide, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-collared mountain babbler, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Ashy Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Black-necked Weaver, and Stranger Weaver.

Additionally, birdwatchers may spot Archer’s Robin Chat, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, the rare Ruwenzori Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Snowy-headed Robin-chat, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, and Sharpe’s Starling.

Other species include the Grey Parrot, Black Bee-eater, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Red-chested Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, and African Emerald Cuckoo, as well as the Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Strange Weaver, Albertine Owlet, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird among more.

Best Time to do Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park is possible year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, also known as peak season, which runs from June to September and from December to February. This period is characterized by minimal rainfall, making the forest easier to navigate and the birding trails less slippery. As a result, accessing birding spots within the park is simpler. However, birding can also be done during the wet season, which lasts from March to May and from October to November. During this time, the trails can be muddy and heavy rainfall can make hiking difficult. Despite these challenges, the wet season is advantageous for budget travelers, as many accommodations offer discounts.