Best Birding Destinations in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Afro-Montane forests, Albertine Rift, rivers, Savannah grasslands, marshes, lakes, and wetlands are home to around 750 bird classes. From Dec – Feb, Rwanda serves as a stopover for migratory birds and wintering from the Palearctic. Rwanda now boasts the largest concentration of birds per square kilometer in Africa, owing to its large avian population in such a tiny country. The even better news is that you can go on a birding safari in Rwanda at any time of year. Some qualified birding directors are experts in making your birding tour more enjoyable. So, if you’re planning a birding safari or have recently arrived in Rwanda for one, these are the best birding places in Rwanda.
KIGALI
This city is the capital city of Uganda and is recognized for its impeccable cleanliness and lush greenery. A birding adventure in Rwanda begins when you step off the plane at Kigali International Airport. Cardinal Woodpecker, The African Grey Hornbill, Eye, African Rock Pigeon, and Brown Throated Wattle are just a few attractions that will welcome tourists to this land of thousands of mountains. Walks in natural surroundings around the city, and the Kigali Golf Course you will enjoy, and its addition to your list will be a quality time of your life.
WETLAND OF AKANYARU
Akanyaru Wetland’s papyrus swamps, floating plants, and marsh provide a home for 54 bird classes. These are primarily found in marshes and wetlands. Some must-see birds in this area include Pallid Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Madagascar Squacco Heron, and the Papyrus Gonolek. This Wetland is in the south of Rwanda and alongside the Burundi boundary.
NATIONAL PARK OF VOLCANOES
This park is known for gorilla trekking. Over 165 bird species live in diverse environments, ranging from bamboo to savannah plains. Seventeen of these species are indigenous to this region. Some species to view here include the Rwenzori Batis, The Strange Weaver, and Rwenzori Collared Apalis. Combining birding with Golden Monkey or Mountain Gorilla Trekking is an outstanding option when visiting Volcanoes National Park.
NATIONAL PARK OF THE NYUNGWE FOREST
This park is the destination of 310 bird classes; most of them are Albertine Rift endemics. Great Blue Turaco, Gigantic Forest Hornbill, Red-Breasted Sparrow Hawk, The Albertine Owlet, Ross’s Turaco, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Collared Apalis, Green Pigeon, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Francolins Paradise Flycatcher, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Mount Maske will all be on your bird checklist while visiting Nyungwe.
WETLANDS OF THE NYABARONGO RIVER
This is the longest river, and it covers 142.62 kilometers of land. To see birds’ views, visit the Nyabarongo River Wetland, including Northern Brown Throated Weaver, the Madagascar Squacco Heron, and White-and Winged Scrab Warbler Carruthers Cisticola. The Antelopes and Elephants are two other sights to enjoy with bird watching.
THE MARSH OF RUGEZI
These are the safe marshes and wetlands. It covers 10% of Rwanda. Water and migrant bird species can be found in marshes and wetlands. The Papyrus Gonolex, the Slighter Swamp Warbler, and the Grauer’s Rush Warbler live in abundance at Rugezi Marsh. The marsh is located north side of Rwanda near Lake Burera.
KAGERA NATIONAL PARK
The park is on the northeast side of Rwanda, and it takes almost one hour drive from Kigali. Wetlands, lakes, acacia woodland, and savanna grasslands abound in Akagera National Park, providing different bird habitats. Five hundred twenty-five of Rwanda’s bird species live in these areas. The wetlands are home to the Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, Shoebill, and Carruther’s Cysticole. Some more birds to see are the White Collared Oliver back, Red-Faced Barbet, and Sousa’s Shrike.