Birding destinations in Rwanda

Birding destinations in Rwanda

Birding destinations in Rwanda: When one hears about Rwanda as a tourism destination, most people’s minds switch to mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda has not been recognized as a birding destination, as the wildlife-associated organization has mainly focused on mountain gorilla tourism activities only, while on a Rwanda Safari.

However, Rwanda stands out as one of the best birding destinations in East Africa, given the sheer variety of bird habitats registered in Rwanda, with a few endemic bird species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift Valley. Rwanda’s beauty ranges from mountainous areas, montane forests, grasslands, plains, vast swamps, rivers, lakes, and, of course, the rolling hills.

These months fall in the dry season and are special because thousands of migratory birds come into the country to escape the harsh winter conditions in Europe and the Arctic. Rwanda has about 7 main birding destinations located in 3 of its national parks, including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and the Volcanoes National Park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is the largest and oldest montane forest in Africa, with over 300 different bird species. The Bigugu Mountain in the forest is one of the best spots for observing the birds as they feed on the tree canopies. One can also move out of the forest and go to the Gisakura tea estate, which is a favourite place for most birds.

The Red-collared Babbler is arguably the most popular and attractive bird species in Nyungwe forest. Nyungwe forest also hosts the Albertine owlet, Blue-headed sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Handsome spur fowls, Neumann’s Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, and the Red collared babblers, among others.

Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Great Blue Turaco, Grey Cuckooshrike, Montane Oriole, Mountain Illadopsis, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Pink-footed Puff back, Red-chested Owlet, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Blue-headed Sunbird, Sharpe’s Starling, Slender-billed Starling, Striped-breasted Tit, Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Sunbird, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Thick-billed Seedeater, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, White-starred Robin and the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher just to mention a few.

The Nyungwe forest is very dense, and viewing the birds can be difficult because most of them prefer to stay in the trees. Your experienced birder should be able to take you to the best spots of the forest where you can have clear views of the birds. Birdwatching in the Nyungwe forest national park will also expose you to other forest creatures and particularly the primates like Chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and the rare golden monkeys.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is home to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and also the golden monkeys, and hiking destination in Rwanda. Despite that, the park is also a destination for birding in Rwanda, and Volcanoes National Park is one of the Birding destinations in Rwanda, and it has registered about 200 bird species, of whereby 16 are endemic to the volcanoes in the Virunga ranges of mountains.

Volcanoes National Park is bordered by Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and some bird species are shared by the three 3-national parks.

Among the species to look out for are the Archer’s ground robin, Cinnamon bracken warbler, Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori batis, White-tailed blue-flycatcher, and Black and white manikin.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park in Rwanda park located in the north eastern part of Rwanda, close to the border with Tanzania, with a collection of lakes and wetlands that support the existence of about 310 species of birds in this park. Birding in Akagara National Park mainly takes place around Lake Ihema on its islands, marshes, and wetlands.

A boat ride on Lake Ihema is an effective way to spot the birds; however, birding trips on the savannah are organized early in the morning and evening. The morning sessions are arguably the most fun as there is a lot of bird activity.

The most common bird species include the Red-faced barbet, the endangered papyrus Ganolex, the elusive Ring-necked Francolin, the Carruthers’s Cisticola, Grey-crowned Cranes, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-collared Oliveback, and White-Winged Swamp Warbler.

The African Starling is possibly the most beautiful bird and a highlight in Akagera National Park, featuring amazing feathers that change color and glitter in the mid-day sun.

The fascinating, elusive Shoebill stork is yet another resident in Akagera National Park, although it is very difficult to spot. The best time for birding in Akagera is during the dry season (May to September). The southern sector of the park has a greater variety of butterflies and birds than the northern sector.

While in Akagera National Park, expect to encounter the famous mammals like elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, and countless antelopes. Accommodation can be in tented camps or standard cottages, depending on your preference and budget.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

This is Rwanda’s newest national park and is found in the northwestern part of Rwanda. Even before it became a national park, Gishwati National Park was known as Rwanda’s prime spot for birding, with 395 species on offer. Some of them include the Martial Eagle, Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbirds, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Turaco, Strange Weaver, Stripe-breasted Tit, and the Grey Crowned Crane. Most of the species are forest dwellers or those endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Some migrate all the way from Congo for most parts of the year. While looking out for the birds, expect to encounter baboons, chimpanzees, and blue and golden monkeys.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is located close to Volcanoes National Park and close to the Rwanda-Congo border. It is easy to forget that the Lake is a top birding destination in Rwanda because it is more known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and as one of the best places for sport fishing in Rwanda. The natural beauty of the lake and its islands attracts birds like the White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Kingfishers.

Thousands of migratory birds can be sighted feeding around the lake during certain months of the year, together with the residents.  For a complete birding experience in Lake Kivu, you must visit Nkora Island. Nkora Island is a small fishing village with an amazing collection of water birds and even cave bats. You will also get to mingle with the local fishermen and learn about how they make ends meet.

Wetlands, Marshes, and Nyabarongo River

About 10 percent of Rwanda is made up of wetlands, swamps, and marshes, such as Rugezi, Akanyaru, and Rugezi provide natural feeding and nesting grounds for some birds because they keep away most predators while also providing insects and frogs for food. The Rugezi Marsh is a top birding destination and the only RAMSAR site in Rwanda.

The wetlands in the Nyabarongo River are not well known but offer wonderful birding opportunities. This river is a tributary of the Great River Nile and empties its waters into the River Akagera, which then flows to Lake Victoria. The Wetlands are home to Garuer’s swamp warblers and papyrus gonoleks. You can also encounter swamp elephants and the elusive Sitatunga while on a birding mission here.