Key Birding Spots in Rwanda
Rwanda, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’ is a hidden gem for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This small East African country has many bird species, making it a great place for ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts. The guide reveals the key birding spots in Rwanda, providing unique chances to see the country’s beautiful birds.
Birding Spots in Rwanda
Kigali City
East Africa offers fantastic birding opportunities, especially in Rwanda and Uganda. In cities like Kigali, birdwatching can begin right at the airport or in urban areas, making it ideal for those with limited time. In Kigali, birding can start from hotel gardens, but visiting Lake Nyarutarama near the golf course is a better choice due to its beautiful tracks and chance to see various birds like black-headed herons and grey-capped warblers. The Rwandan government has also developed a popular park for birders. Other great spots include the Nyabarongo wetland for little egrets and Mount Kigali for red-chested cuckoos and southern black flycatchers.
Akagera National Park- Key Birding Spots in Rwanda
Akagera National Park features lakes, wetlands, rolling hills, and savannah, attracting 310 bird species. Located in northeastern Rwanda near Tanzania, the park’s best birding spots are around Lake Ihema and its surrounding areas. Boat rides on Lake Ihema help with bird watching, while organized trips to the savannah occur early in the morning and evening, with mornings being the most active time for birds.
The Red-faced barbet is the most common bird, and the park is also home to the endangered papyrus Gonolek and the rare Ring-necked Francolin. Other interesting species include the Carruthers’s Cisticola, Grey-crowned Cranes, and the beautiful African Starling, known for its stunning feathers. The elusive Shoebill stork also resides in the park, though spotting them takes patience. The dry season from May to September is the best time for birding. The southern part of the park offers more butterfly and bird variety than the north. Visitors can also see mammals like elephants and lions, with accommodation options ranging from tented camps to standard cottages.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is one of the key birding spots in Rwanda, the largest and oldest montane forest in Africa, home to over 300 species of birds. Bigugu Mountain within the park is a great place to see birds as they feed in the tree canopies. Visitors can also explore the nearby Gisakura tea estate, which attracts many bird species. The Red-collared Babbler is one of the most popular birds in Nyungwe, along with many others like the Albertine owlet, Blue-headed sunbird, Purple-breasted sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, and Rwenzori Turaco.
Exploring Nyungwe can be done by walking or biking along the Congo Nile trail or through its developed forest trails. An exciting option is the canopy walk, which is 160 meters long and provides an aerial view of the forest and its wildlife. For a more in-depth birding experience, hiring a bird guide is recommended. A professional guide can help identify various bird species like the Eastern Mountain Greenbul and the Great Blue Turaco.
Birdwatching can be challenging due to the dense forest, so having an experienced guide is important to spot birds clearly. Besides birdwatching, visitors may also encounter other wildlife, including primates like the Angolan Colobus, blue monkeys and Rwanda’s chimpanzees.
Volcanoes National Park- Key Birding Spots in Rwanda
This park is well-known for gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, and hiking volcanoes like Karisimbi. However, it is also one of the best birding spots in Rwanda, with around 200 bird species. Among these, 27 species are unique to the park, and 16 are only found in the Virunga Mountain range. Bird watchers can look for species such as the Archer’s ground robin, Cinnamon bracken warbler, and Black and white manikin. The park is located near Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo, allowing visitors to see some shared species.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the newest national park in Northwestern Rwanda, known for its birdwatching opportunities, featuring 395 bird species like the Martial Eagle and Grey Crowned Crane. Many of these birds live in forests or are unique to the Albertine Rift, with some migrating from Congo seasonally. Visitors may also see baboons, chimpanzees, and both blue and golden monkeys. For the best birdwatching experience, it is recommended to visit during the dry season, as the rainy season can create slippery, muddy trails.
Wetlands, Marshes, and Nyabarongo River
Over 10 percent of Rwanda consists of wetlands, marshes, and swamps. Key areas include Rugezi, Akanyaru, and Rugezi, which offer natural habitats for birds by protecting them from predators and providing food sources like insects and frogs. Rugezi Marsh is notable for birdwatching and is the only RAMSAR site in Rwanda, covering 6,734 hectares and hosting about 43 bird species, such as the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Papyrus Genolek. Lake Nyagafunzo, located south of the marsh, is also great for birders, with species like the Lesser Jacana. The Nyabarongo River wetlands, while lesser-known, provide excellent birding as well. In addition, the Bugesera District and Akanyaru contain other birding sanctuaries.
Lake Kivu-Key Birding Spots in Rwanda
Lake Kivu is famous for its beautiful beaches, islands, and sport fishing in Rwanda. However, it is also a great place for birdwatching. The lake attracts White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers, and many migratory birds that feed around it at certain times. To fully enjoy birdwatching, visit Nkora Island, a small fishing village with many water birds and cave bats. You can also interact with local fishermen and learn about their way of life.
In conclusion, Rwanda is an East African country famous for its birdwatching spots, hosting over 700 bird species found in protected areas, swamps, and farms. The main birdwatching locations are Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. To experience birdwatching in Rwanda, be ready for long hours outside and hiking in some areas, especially in the mountainous regions of Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks. Overall, birdwatching in Rwanda is a delightful activity for nature lovers and birdwatchers worldwide.
