Ultimate 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari to Explore Birds, Gorillas, and Pristine Landscapes

Rwanda, famously called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a birder’s paradise, boasting over 700 recorded bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. This 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari itinerary provides a luxurious and immersive experience, blending early morning birding excursions with primate tracking, gorilla trekking, and wildlife observation across Rwanda’s three premier national parks: Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes.

The 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari is designed for the discerning traveler seeking comfort and adventure, providing intimate encounters with rare and endemic birds, dramatic landscapes, and unique wildlife experiences. By the end of this safari, participants will have explored savannahs, wetlands, montane forests, and volcanic highlands, observing rare avian species, iconic primates, and unforgettable scenery.

A Journey to Akagera National Park

This 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari begins in Kigali and moves east to Akagera National Park, where savannah and wetland birding dominates. The adventure then continues west to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and endemic forest birds. Finally, the safari heads north to the Virunga Volcanoes, where guests enjoy gorilla trekking and highland birding. Cultural encounters, including visits to local communities, are seamlessly integrated, providing insight into Rwanda’s conservation efforts and traditions.

Comfortable lodges are selected near key birding sites, allowing for early morning starts, evening reflections, and photography sessions at sunrise and sunset. Optional activities like chimpanzee trekking and gorilla tracking are coordinated to maximize wildlife viewing while maintaining an unhurried, luxury pace. This 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari balances focused birdwatching, wildlife observation, and cultural immersion, creating an unparalleled Rwandan experience.

 

Uganda Birding Safari in the Savannahs

Rwanda Birding Safari in the Savannahs

Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Accommodation

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your Deks Safaris guide welcomes you. After a brief orientation, transfer to your hotel or lodge within the city or nearby birding sites. The afternoon is perfect for a short introductory birding walk, depending on arrival time, around nearby gardens or wetlands such as Nyabarongo Wetlands.

Rwanda’s capital provides a gentle introduction to its birdlife. Common urban and wetland species such as African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash), Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala), and Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) can be seen with ease. Observing these species in the calm of the late afternoon sets the stage for the rich diversity awaiting in the national parks.

Evening at leisure allows guests to acclimatize, enjoy a welcome dinner, and prepare for the early start the following day. This night marks the beginning of a journey through Rwanda’s varied landscapes, from urban wetlands to savannahs, forests, and volcanic highlands.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) | Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) | Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) | Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) | Black Kite (Milvus migrans) | Lesser Striped Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica) | White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) | Pied Crow (Corvus albus)

 

Day 2 – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Begin with an early breakfast and depart Kigali toward Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda. En route, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, farmland, and wetlands. Stop along the road for opportunistic birding, spotting species like Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) and White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini).

Upon arrival at Akagera, check into your lodge, ideally located near Lake Ihema, and enjoy a brief lunch before an afternoon boat cruise. Lake Ihema, a large freshwater lake within the park, supports abundant waterbirds, including African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), and Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus). Hippos and Nile crocodiles can also be observed along the shoreline, complementing your 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari experience.

Late afternoon, embark on a game drive, observing savannah species and mammals. Common birds include Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis), Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), and Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis). Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, with opportunities for nocturnal photography or spotlighting owls and nightjars.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) | Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) | Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) | White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) | Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra)

 

Day 3 – Full-Day Birding in Akagera National Park

Rise at dawn for a morning game drive, maximizing sightings of early-rising bird species and wildlife. Akagera’s savannah and woodlands host Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris), Red-necked Spurfowl (Pternistis afer), and African Hoopoe (Upupa africana). Predators like lions and leopards are more active in the cool morning, offering photographic opportunities alongside birding.

Late morning, focus on wetland and lakeshore habitats for waterbirds such as Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala), and African Darter (Anhinga rufa). Enjoy lunch at the lodge or a scenic picnic within the park.

Afternoon is reserved for a boat cruise or another game drive, where elephants, buffalo, and antelopes are often encountered. This interplay of mammals and birds allows for dynamic observation of interactions, such as birds following grazers for insects stirred up from the grasslands. Return to the lodge at sunset, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Ihema and the savannah horizon.

Birds to Spot Today:

Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris) | Red-necked Spurfowl (Pternistis afer) | African Hoopoe (Upupa africana) | Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) | Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) | African Darter (Anhinga rufa) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)

 

10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 4 – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests. The 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari journey passes rolling tea plantations, forests, and highland villages, offering multiple birding stops. Look for African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) and Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) along the way.

Upon arrival at the lodge, settle in and enjoy an introductory evening walk, observing forest edge birds such as Cabanis’s Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) and Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia). Dinner at the lodge is served in a serene forest setting, preparing guests for an early start the next day.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) | Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) | Cabanis’s Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) | Grey-headed Nigrita (Nigrita canicapilla) | Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia) | Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis)

 

Day 5 – Full Day Birding & Primate Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Rise early for a full day of birding and primate encounters in the pristine Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Today’s focus is on Albertine Rift endemics, including elusive species such as the Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni), and the Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys). The forest’s dense canopy provides ideal habitats for canopy specialists, and a guided walk along Karamba Trail or Uwinka Trail allows visitors to spot forest understorey birds, mixed-species flocks, and shy species.

Late morning, participate in chimpanzee tracking, led by experienced park rangers. This is an extraordinary opportunity to observe Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, Rwanda’s habituated chimpanzees, in their natural habitat. Watch them forage, groom, and interact socially while taking note of birds that coexist in the canopy. Species such as White-headed Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei) and Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) are often observed following the chimps’ activity.

Afternoon birding continues along the forest edges and streams. Look for species like Grey-throated Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis), Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus), and Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea). The forest is alive with sound, from bird calls to primate vocalizations, creating a symphony for photographers and birders alike.

Return to the lodge in the evening for a hearty dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the forest’s remarkable biodiversity.

Birds to Spot Today:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | White-headed Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei) | Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) | Grey-throated Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus) | Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher (Trochocercus nitens)

 

Day 6 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Birding

After an early breakfast, depart westward toward Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s iconic gorilla habitat. En route, enjoy birding stops at montane wetlands and forest edges, looking for highland species like African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) and Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops). The drive offers panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda’s towering volcanic peaks, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge near Musanze or Kinigi, then embark on an afternoon birding session around the lodge and nearby trails. Focus on Albertine Rift endemics and highland specialists: Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus), Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii), and Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata). The crisp mountain air enhances the forest experience, with waterfalls, streams, and bamboo groves providing diverse habitats.

Evening at leisure allows for photography and forest reflection, capturing the sounds and colors of the montane forest as the sun sets behind volcanic peaks. Dinner at the lodge completes the day in comfort.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) | Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossyphicula roberti) | Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis) | Olive-breasted Greenbul (Arizelocichla kikuyuensis) | Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis) | Rwenzori Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii)

 

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking & Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Rise before dawn for the highlight of the 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari: mountain gorilla trekking. At Volcanoes National Park, trekkers are guided by experienced rangers into the dense bamboo and montane forests in search of habituated gorilla families. This immersive experience allows guests to observe Gorilla beringei beringei in their natural environment, capturing photographs and witnessing social behaviors up close.

While trekking, birdwatchers will also encounter species such as Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus). The forest’s diversity ensures that even during the focused gorilla trek, one can enjoy rare highland endemics and mixed-species flocks.

After one hour in the presence of the gorillas, return to the trailhead and enjoy lunch at the lodge. Afternoon birding along forest trails can reveal Mountain Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera), Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri), and White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossyphicula roberti). The evening is perfect for reflection, photography, and enjoying the tranquil highland environment.

Birds to Spot Today:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni) | Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus) | Mountain Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) | Grauer’s Rush Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossyphicula roberti) | Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)

 

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Permit

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 8 – Birding in Volcanoes National Park & Twin Lakes

Early morning, venture into highland birding near Volcanoes National Park, exploring bamboo zones, montane forests, and wetlands. Target species include Rwenzori Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruwenzorii), Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata), and Red-tailed Ant Thrush (Neocossyphus rufus). Birding is enhanced by the park’s steep slopes, streams, and bamboo groves, offering excellent photographic opportunities.

Later, transfer to the Twin Lakes area (Burera & Ruhondo). These highland lakes are ideal for waterbird observation, with species such as African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), and African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus). A lakeside walk also offers scenic views and a glimpse of local communities.

Evening return to lodge for a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the diversity of Rwanda’s montane ecosystems.

Birds to Spot Today:

Rwenzori Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruwenzorii) | Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata) | Red-tailed Ant Thrush (Neocossyphus rufus) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii) | Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)

 

Day 9 – Birding at Twin Lakes & Surroundings

Spend a full day exploring Twin Lakes and nearby wetlands, combining shoreline birding, forest edge exploration, and cultural interactions with local communities. The lakes host waterbirds, waders, and raptors, such as Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), and Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus).

Afternoon walks through wetlands, papyrus swamps, and highland gardens offer sightings of Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis), Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), and African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta). Photographers and birders will appreciate the dramatic backdrop of volcanoes and cultivated hills, creating a picturesque setting for observation.

Return to lodge for dinner and overnight, preparing for the final day’s departure.

Birds to Spot Today:

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) | Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) | Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) | Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) | Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) | African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra) | Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)

 

Day 10 – Morning Birding & Departure to Kigali

On your final day, enjoy a morning birding session before departure, focusing on species missed during earlier excursions. Key species to target include Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus), and Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni).

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali International Airport, reflecting on an immersive 10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari, where guests have explored Rwanda’s diverse habitats, iconic wildlife, and endemic birds. Depart with lasting memories, photography, and a renewed appreciation for East Africa’s biodiversity.

Birds to Spot Today:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) | Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) | Mountain Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Grey-throated Flycatcher (Myioparus griseigularis) | Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii)

 

10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

15-Day Ultimate Rwanda Luxury Safari

10-Day Rwanda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • All transfers and road transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles
  • English-speaking professional birding and safari guide
  • Accommodation on full board basis in selected lodges and hotels
  • Park entrance and conservation fees for Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Parks
  • Guided birding walks and forest trails in all parks
  • Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest
  • Boat cruise on Lake Ihema (Akagera) and Lake Kivu optional excursions
  • Local community and cultural experiences
  • Bottled water during excursions
  • Airport meet and greet in Kigali

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Rwanda
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, drinks, etc.)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Visa fees for Rwanda

 

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