Birdwatching in Rwanda   

The good news for birders is that Rwanda has a massive bird list of over 700 species. And being a small country means several birding sites can be visited in one reasonably short trip, meaning relatively easy access to those hard-to-spot species. Good birding can be found across the country, even close to Kigali. However, most birders will particularly want to visit Nyungwe National Park in the west of Rwanda and Akagera National Park in the east.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s top forest ornithological sites and a must-visit for dedicated birdwatchers. Protecting the region’s largest montane rainforest, the Park contains some of Rwanda’s most sought-after bird species, including colourful Sunbirds, Rwenzori Turaco, Neumann’s Warbler and its star attraction, the Red-collared Babbler. All of these and many more can be spotted easily from the well-maintained network of trails with the help of the Park’s expert guides.

Akagera National Park

Located in the eastern part of the country, another must-visit location for birders is Akagera National Park. Akagera comprises a spectacular expanse of sprawling savannah landscape, wetlands and lakes – in fact, a third of the Park is dominated by water, making it the largest protected wetland in eastern-central Africa. Akagera is home to an astonishing diversity of bird species, with the Park’s wetlands a particular haven for water birds, including the rare Shoebill and several Lake Victoria endemics, including the Red-Faced Barbet.

Volcanoes National Park

Protecting Rwanda’s part of the Virunga mountain range, Volcanoes National Park is rightly famous for its Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. But the Park also boasts an impressive array of birdlife with over 160 species. Keep your eyes peeled for the striking Rwenzori Turaco and the vibrant Malachite sunbird as they flit through the verdant foliage covering the Park’s mist-shrouded peaks.

The Twin Lakes

Located in northwestern Rwanda near Volcanoes National Park, the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera are rich in biodiversity and abound with bird life. It’s an excellent location for bird watching with a number of different species. Spot birds such as Kingfishers, Cormorants, Sacred Ibis and the African Crowned Crane.

Birdwatching tours can be arranged at Ruhondo Island Retreat, an off-grid island hideaway located in the middle of Ruhondo Lake at the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, an excellent place to stay after a gorilla trekking safari.