9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a breath-taking amphitheatre of life where mist-draped mountains rise from emerald valleys, and birdsong greets each sunrise like a promise. This 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari blends the thrill of birdwatching with the intimacy of primate encounters, weaving a rich tapestry of biodiversity, culture, and comfort. Curated by Deks Safaris and Tours, this mid-range expedition invites discerning travelers to explore Rwanda’s finest ecosystems from the open savannahs of Akagera National Park, where the air shimmers with raptors, to the primeval canopy of Nyungwe Forest, home to chimps and Albertine Rift endemics. The voyage culminates in the volcanic highlands of Volcanoes National Park, where the world’s last Mountain Gorillas dwell among bamboo forests cloaked in mist.

This is not merely a safari it’s an immersive narrative of discovery. Each dawn unveils a new rhythm: the whir of bee-eaters in flight, the haunting calls of turacos, and the rustle of gorillas feeding in quiet glades. You’ll cruise Lake Ihema at sunset, trek beneath rainforest giants, and meet the warm-hearted Rwandans whose traditions harmonize with nature. Between adventures, unwind in charming mid-range lodges chosen for comfort, sustainability, and proximity to the wild.

A Signature Experience by Deks Safaris and Tours

By the 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari end, you’ll have tallied hundreds of bird species from the secretive Shoebill Stork to the vibrant Ruwenzori Turaco while gaining an intimate understanding of Africa’s intricate ecosystems. This 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari is crafted for those who seek both adventure and elegance, science and soul, and above all, memories that sing long after the final sunset fades behind Rwanda’s rolling hills.

Uganda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Detailed 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park: Gateway to Savannah Birds

Your 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari expedition begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, where a professional driver-guide from Deks Safaris and Tours greets you with a smile and a promise of discovery. As you drive east toward Akagera National Park, the scenery transforms from terraced hills to open grasslands, dotted with acacia and euphorbia trees. This region, bordering Tanzania, shelters Rwanda’s only protected savannah a paradise for both birds and mammals.

Check in to your mid-range lodge overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Ihema, a vital refuge for aquatic birds. After a refreshing lunch, embark on a late-afternoon boat cruise along the lake’s papyrus-lined shores. Hippos grunt nearby while crocodiles bask on sandy banks, yet it’s the avian spectacle that truly mesmerizes: the African Fish Eagle dives for its catch, Pied Kingfishers hover mid-air, and African Jacanas walk elegantly atop lily pads. If fortune smiles, you may glimpse the elusive Shoebill Stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after birds.

As the sun begins its descent, transition to a gentle evening game drive through the park’s rolling plains. Here you’ll likely encounter Masai Giraffes, Topi, and Buffalo, all against a sky painted in flaming orange hues. Return to the lodge for a gourmet dinner beneath starlight, the night alive with the distant whoop of hyenas and the rhythmic chorus of frogs a lullaby to the African wild.

Key Birds of the Day:

Day 2 – Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park: The Savannah Symphony

The dawn breaks golden over Akagera’s savannah, inviting you to an exhilarating full-day game and birding drive. With binoculars poised and camera ready, you’ll explore the park’s northern and southern circuits, each revealing a different habitat mosaic open plain, gallery forests, and shimmering wetlands. The call of the Grey-crowned Crane, Rwanda’s national bird, echoes above the grasslands while flocks of Queleas swirl like living clouds across the horizon.

Your 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari guide navigates toward the northern plains, prime territory for large game and raptors alike. Lions patrol the termite mounds, while Bateleurs, Martial Eagles, and Brown Snake Eagles soar high on thermal currents. Along the marshes, herons and egrets gather in brilliant white clusters, contrasted by the bright blues of Lilac-breasted Rollers. Picnic lunch is enjoyed beneath the shade of acacia trees, where the scent of wild sage mingles with the dry wind.

In the afternoon, you’ll trace the shores of Lake Shakani, watching African Open-billed Storks probe for snails and African Skimmers slice the water’s surface with precision. By dusk, the landscape glows in amber tones as elephants amble toward waterholes, framed by acacia silhouettes an image of Africa at its most timeless. Return to your lodge for dinner and storytelling around a campfire that crackles beneath constellations untouched by city lights.

Key Birds of the Day:

Day 3 – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park: Journey from Savannah to Rainforest

After breakfast, bid farewell to the golden plains of Akagera and set course southwest toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a sanctuary for over 300 bird species including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. The long scenic drive reveals the soul of rural Rwanda: verdant hills terraced with banana groves, children waving by the roadside, and valleys stitched with tea plantations. En route, enjoy a stop at Butare (Huye) to visit the Ethnographic Museum, offering fascinating insight into Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

Arrive at Nyungwe by late afternoon and check into your mid-range eco-lodge perched on a mist-covered ridge. The air here is cool and fragrant with moss and wild orchids. After a short rest, take a gentle birding walk around the lodge environs. The melodies of Mountain Illadopsis, Ruwenzori Batis, and Yellow-whiskered Greenbul fill the forest twilight. Dinner is served by a crackling fire, as mist drifts past the windows a perfect prelude to tomorrow’s chimpanzee trek.

Key Birds of the Day:

Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | Yellow-whiskered Greenbul (Eurillas luteceps) | Mountain Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) | White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) | Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis) | Black-billed Turaco (Tauraco schalowi) | Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) | Red-chested Sunbird (Cinnyris erythrocercus) | White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) | Speckled Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus scolopaceus)

Shoebill Tracking Experience

Day 4 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe: Above and Beneath the Green World

The morning begins before dawn with steaming coffee and the anticipation of meeting our closest relatives in the wild. After a briefing at Uwinka Visitor Centre, venture into the lush depths of Nyungwe Forest for Chimpanzee Tracking. The air hums with insects and the scent of wet leaves as guides follow distant hoots through the understory. When you finally spot a troop of Chimpanzees swinging through the trees or grooming on the forest floor, the connection feels profound a mirror into our evolutionary past.

Post-trek, enjoy a picnic breakfast, then embark on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 160-meter suspension bridge hanging high above the forest floor. From this vantage, the world unfolds in layers of green an orchestra of leaves, light, and wings. Butterflies shimmer beneath your feet while Blue Malkohas and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds dart through the treetops. In the afternoon, join a leisurely nature walk along the Karamba Trail, known for its rich avifauna including the Red-collared Mountain Babbler and Regal Sunbird, both Albertine endemics.

Return to the lodge at sunset, heart racing with the day’s discoveries. Over dinner, share sightings and stories as the forest sings its nocturnal chorus tree frogs, nightjars, and the soft murmur of the wind weaving through ancient branches.

Key Birds of the Day:

Day 5 – Nyungwe Forest Morning Birding & Transfer to Lake Kivu: From Canopy to Lakeside Tranquility

After an invigorating breakfast overlooking the mist-shrouded rainforest, today begins with a morning birding expedition along Nyungwe’s forest edges. Guided by your expert local ornithologist, you’ll track elusive forest endemics such as the Red-headed Bluebill and Collared Apalis while listening to the delicate songs of canopy-dwelling warblers. The dense understory is alive with motion: squirrels scurry along branches, forest duikers peek through the ferns, and occasional Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys swing overhead.

After this early morning immersion, you embark on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake. The 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari journey winds through rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and clusters of banana and coffee plantations, providing opportunities for en route birding. Look out for Rufous-crowned Eremomela, African Golden Oriole, and the striking Yellow-bellied Waxbill, which flits gracefully among shrubs. The lakeside village of Gisenyi offers a tranquil contrast to the dense forest calm waters reflect the sky, fringed with papyrus and tropical vegetation.

Arrival at the Reserved Lodge

Upon arrival at your lakeside lodge, check in and enjoy lunch overlooking the water, where you can spot African Fish Eagles patrolling the shores. In the afternoon, take a guided boat ride across Lake Kivu, a haven for waterfowl and waders. Swimmers include Hamerkop, African Jacana, and the occasional Great Cormorant. Fishermen’s canoes glide silently past, adding a cultural rhythm to the experience. As the sun dips behind distant hills, the lake transforms into a mirror of gold and violet, setting the stage for an evening of reflective relaxation and lakeside dining.

Key Birds of the Day:

Day 6 – Lake Kivu Morning Birding & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

The morning opens with serene birdwatching along the lakeshore, where early light illuminates the shimmering water and awakens a flurry of activity. Observe Swamp Flycatchers, White-winged Swallows, and Malachite Kingfishers as they forage among reeds and shallows. The air carries the soft chatter of local fishermen, harmonizing with the calls of waterfowl. Breakfast is enjoyed on the lodge deck with panoramic views of distant hills, setting the tone for the day’s journey.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s jewel of biodiversity and the epicenter of gorilla conservation. En route, the landscape alternates between terraced farms, misty valleys, and patches of montane forest. Keep your binoculars handy Ruwenzori Turacos and Grey-throated Barbets inhabit these transitional zones, and you may spot Forest Elephants on distant ridges if luck allows. Stop for light en route birding in protected corridors to encounter species like Mountain Greenbul and Lesser Honeyguide, all endemics of the Albertine Rift.

Arrive at your mid-range lodge in Ruhengeri, near the Volcanoes National Park entrance, where a warm welcome and early dinner prepare you for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure. The evening is quiet, punctuated by calls of White-bellied Robin-Chats and distant forest frogs, instilling a sense of anticipation for the ultimate primate encounter awaiting at dawn.

Key Birds of the Day:

Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquatica) | White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Grey-throated Barbet (Gymnobucco bonapartei) | Mountain Greenbul (Arizelocichla nigriceps) | Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossypha humeralis) | African Citril (Crithagra citrinelloides) | Black-faced Rufous Warbler (Bathmocercus rufus)

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: A Life-Changing Encounter

Today is the crown jewel of your 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari: Mountain Gorilla trekking. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll meet your ranger and receive a briefing on trekking etiquette and safety. The trail begins through bamboo thickets and montane forest, alive with the subtle sounds of insects, birds, and distant gorilla calls. Trekking varies in duration from two to six hours, depending on gorilla location, making patience and stamina essential.

Upon locating a gorilla family, you’ll experience an intimate one-hour observation. Watch the silverbacks assert gentle authority, juveniles tumble and play, and mothers nurture infants with tenderness that mirrors human care. The forest itself is a kaleidoscope of green, with epiphytic orchids and moss-laden trees framing the scene. Your 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari guide points out forest duikers, colobus monkeys, and myriad endemic birds like the Golden-crowned Warbler. Photography is permitted, allowing you to capture memories of this rare and humbling encounter.

Return to the lodge for lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying a short nature walk around the lodge. Evening reflections over dinner capture the magic of your day the subtle realization that witnessing these critically endangered primates is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Key Animals & Birds of the Day:

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) | Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) | L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti) | Forest Duiker (Cephalophus spp.) | Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza) | Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus) | White-headed Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei) | African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) | Ruwenzori Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema)

Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Day 8 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Volcano Exploration

Rise early for the Golden Monkey trek, a highlight of Volcanoes National Park. These vibrant primates, with their striking golden fur and expressive faces, move quickly through bamboo and montane forest. Trekking provides a window into a fragile ecosystem where endemic species thrive alongside lush flora. Your 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari guide shares insights on conservation efforts and the park’s unique ecology.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive to Musanze Caves or optional volcano hiking trails, observing highland bird species such as African Hill Babbler, Brown-capped Weaver, and the elusive Red-throated Alethe. The evening is spent at the lodge recounting sightings, photographing memories, and reflecting on the intertwined beauty of wildlife and culture in Rwanda.

Key Birds & Animals of the Day:

Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) | African Hill Babbler (Pseudonigrita arnaudi) | Brown-capped Weaver (Ploceus insignis) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) | Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) | African Giant Forest Hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossypha humeralis) | Black-billed Turaco (Tauraco schuettii) | Speckled Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus scolopaceus)

Day 9 – Ibyiwacu Cultural Village & Return to Kigali for Departure

Your final day blends wildlife with culture. Begin with a morning visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, engaging with local Rwandan traditions through music, dance, and craft demonstrations. Witness traditional farming methods, storytelling, and cuisine while learning about the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in Rwanda’s highlands.

After lunch, commence the scenic drive back to Kigali, stopping briefly for birding in Matyazo wetlands or roadside forest patches. Spot African Pied Wagtails, Red-billed Firefinches, and other common species, enjoying the final notes of Rwanda’s symphony of birds. Arrive at Kigali International Airport for your flight, carrying memories of gorillas, golden monkeys, savannah game, and rare endemic birds. These farewell cements the 9 Days Mid-Range Rwanda Birding & Primate Safari as a celebration of Africa’s most unique ecosystems, curated for both adventure and reflection.

Key Birds & Animals of the Day: