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birdwatching in Rwanda Birdwatching in Rwanda can be very rewarding with a vast list of over 750 species of wild birds. A small country of just 26,338 square kilometers, Rwanda has the highest density of birds per square kilometer in Africa. Birdwatching in Rwanda allows you to see many species of birds by covering small areas or spending short time on birdwatching trails. You can also easily access and see rare and elusive bird species.

Habitat is highly diverse, consisting primarily of montane forests in the Albertine Rift Valley in the western region, and steppe plains and marshes along the eastern border. Numerous swamps, rivers, marshes and lakes dot the lush hills of the Central Region and throughout Rwanda.

Rwanda has no endemic bird species, but it accounts for most of the endemic bird species of the Albertine Rift Valley (44 species), 27 of which are found only in the Nyungwe Forest.

Rwanda’s stunning landscape of grassy hills and misty volcanoes, home to rare and amazing wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorilla and a few primates, makes Rwanda a haven for birdwatchers. It has become an ideal country for

When to go birding in Rwanda?

All year round! However, December to February is the season for migratory birds, and Rwanda is home to many wintering and pelagic migratory birds.

Good birding infrastructure, including trails, shelters and roads leading to birding sites. Professional Bird His guides are trained and can lead his tours of birding in Rwanda. In fact, many of Rwanda’s best birding destinations have knowledgeable local guides.

Where to go birding in Rwanda

Birding around Kigali City

As Kigali is the point of entry into Rwanda via Kigali International Airport, it offers the first birdwatching activity in Rwanda. The city has a number of well-known birding spots and is a good introduction to native Rwandan birds for visiting new badders. Learn more about birdwatching, sights and birds in Kigali

The Albertine Eco-region – the Albertine rift endemics

The Albertine region consists of mountain ranges formed by uplift and volcanic activity. Covers the western half of Rwanda, besides he includes five countries. Considered the center of Afromontan habitat, Albertine has an extraordinary fauna and flora, including over 40 species of birds, 34 species of mammals, 117 species of butterflies, 34 species of amphibians and 16 species of reptiles. is an endemic belt of There are at least 27 Albertine Rift endemic species in Rwanda.

Birding in the Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park protects part of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, which includes five volcanoes: Muhavra, Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke and Karisimbi. Famous for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Volcanoes National Park is primarily visited for hiking to see endangered endemic primates and hiking to volcanoes. However, the park is home to about 165 bird species, 17 of which are endemic to the region. Birdwatching not only catches rare species, but you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Virunga and encounters with gorillas.

Bird Watching in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is a tropical mountain rainforest and lies on the south-western slopes of the highland region that forms the great divide between the Congo and Nile drainage systems. The park protects the region’s largest montane rainforest and is home to 310 species of bird.

Nyungwe is by far the most popular birding destination in Rwanda, especially being sought out for the numerous Albertine rift endemics; 27 to be found here.

Some of Nyungwe’s specials are: Regal Sunbird, Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Spurfowl, Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, Albertine Owlet.

birdwatching in RwandaBird watching in Akagera National Park

The Akagera National Park lies in the north east of the Rwanda, outside the high rising Albertine belt. It covers a chunk of savannah. A mix of rolling grassland interspersed with broad-leafed and acacia woodland, these lower-lying lands are dissected by the Akagera River.

Out of over 525 species, some of the most sought after birds of Akagera are: Red-faced Barbet, Sousa’s Shrike, White-collared Oliveback, Ruaha Chat.

The park has a mosaic of wetlands and lakes, along the course of the Akagera River and the eastern boundary. Some of the sought after species in the wetland areas are: Carruther’s Cisticola, Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek and the Shoebill.

Birding in the Wetlands and Marshes

birdwatching in RwandaRwanda’s wetlands and marshes cover 10% of the country. The main protected ones include Rugezi, Akanyaru and Nyabarongo Wetlands where many waders and water species can be observed.