This 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda takes you through the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda. While other East African Countries are famous for wildlife safaris, many naturalists would argue that Uganda and Rwanda offer an experience that is more diverse, exceptional and breath-taking. 
To a bigger extent the Mountain Gorillas may be the most exciting wildlife encounter which the African continent has to offer and the two countries we are featuring this time are best known for captivating birding encounters and timeless scenery, as this tour takes you the valley of the upper Nile – Murchison falls National Park, the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park and many smaller sanctuaries protecting lakes rainforest and volcanic landscapes hold more species of plants, primates, birds and other animals than any comparable region on the continent.
Our goal on this 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda is to explore and understand this richness in the company of an exceptional naturalist guide, Paul Tamwenya. Paul knows virtually all of the birds by vocalization and sight, and has superb vision for finding distant mammals. He is a charismatic leader who is known and respected throughout Uganda and Rwanda. In two weeks we will sample all the major habitats of Uganda and Rwanda. Our emphasis will be on seeing and photographing as many birds and animals as possible, but we will also enjoy the hospitality of many friendly people representing different tribes that will host our stay. Expect early morning starts, opportunities to explore on foot and small hotels and lodges sited close to interesting natural areas. Most tourists visiting Uganda and Rwanda focus just on the locations where the Mountain Gorillas occur. We will have several chances to see the gorillas close up, but the main emphasis will be active exploration of your naturalist-guide’s favorite sanctuary haunts of other species of birds and animals.
On this Birding Journeys Rwanda safari you are going to get it all—birds, wildlife, magnificent scenery, beautiful and different cultures of the many tribes settling in these two small countries we shall be traversing and we promise the ultimate African experience!
DAY 1: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA
Start the 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda with a transfer to Akagera National Park in the morning. Afternoon for a thrilling boat ride on Lake Ihema to go see schools of hippos, the giant Nile crocodiles and lots of water birds – over 50 species recorded here. Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 2: AKAGERA
Early breakfast at 5:45am; in preparation for an early bird watching day at 6am. It’s important to start early before it gets hot and avoid birds go in hide due to heat. A good day to see other wildlife besides birds such as the eland cape and roan antelopes, in addition to the 525 bird species including some Albertine rift endemics recorded in this park. We will search for the shoe bill stork around Birengero and Rwanyakizinga lake. Diversity of reptiles, amphibians, plants, magnificent landscapes, historical sites etc. The park is known for holding the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer in any national park of Africa. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: TO NYUNGWE VIA BUTARE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park; enroute has stops along Nyabarongo river basin for more bird watching. Optional – visit to the Cathedral of Kabgayi and other many historical sites such as the ancient King’s palace at Nyanza, National Museum at Huye. Overnight at Gisakura Guest House.
Day 4: TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
The biggest afro-mountain forest in East and Central Africa & the remotest source of River Nile according to National Geographic Society:
Early breakfast at 5am then drive through the park searching for as many as we can from the 278 bird species listed here. Chimpanzee trekking will be optional. The fantastic tea plantations around Nyungwe National Park add more value to scenery as you wait to add more lifers. In the afternoon, visit the waterfalls in the park – enroute site some new species of birds
Overnight at Gisakura Guest House.
DAY 5: KAMIRANZOVU SWAMP & THE CANOPY WALK IN NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
This day is dedicated to birding in Kamiranzovu swamp searching for the rare Rwenzori turaccos, and the grauer’s swamp warblers etc. You will visit different locations in the park to try and see as much as you can and if possible all the 27 Albertine rift endemic birds found in Nyungwe forest. End the day with a canopy walk in the forest. Overnight at Gisakura Guest House.
DAY 6: BIGUGU TRAIL & TRANSFER TO KIGALI
This day is dedicated to birding on mountain Bigugu searching for more rare bird species. You will continue to visit different locations in the park to try and see as much as you can and later transfer to Kigali. Overnight at Executive apartment
DAY 7: FLY OUT
Transfer to the airport and fly out.
End of the 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda.
The 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda includes;
- Park fees
- Gorilla permits
- All activities
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/guide All transportation
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
The 6 Day Birding Safari in Rwanda excludes;
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Some meals
Rent a 4×4 safari car in Rwanda from Hire A Car Rwanda.