Ultimate 8-Day Rwanda Birding Safari Itinerary for Birders

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers a remarkable diversity of avifauna, ranging from Albertine Rift endemics in lush montane forests to vibrant savannah and wetland species. This 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari is curated for passionate birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Africa’s highlands. You will traverse Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park, blending birding with cultural immersion, primate encounters, and stunning landscapes.

From the misty forests of Nyungwe, where elusive forest endemics flit through bamboo thickets, to the savannah expanses of Akagera dotted with lakes and wildlife, every day presents new opportunities to observe Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity. The itinerary also includes optional highlights such as canopy walks, gorilla and golden monkey trekking, and boat cruises that complement the birding experience.

Guided 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari

Guided by expert local ornithologists and 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari guides, you’ll encounter over 400 species, including rare and endemic birds such as Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis), and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri). Each day is structured to maximize sightings while allowing leisurely exploration, cultural encounters, and photographic opportunities. Accommodations are carefully selected mid-range lodges and eco-lodges nestled within or near the parks, providing comfort, local flavor, and panoramic views.

This 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari is ideal for travelers seeking a luxury yet adventurous experience, combining meticulous birding itineraries, wildlife tracking, and encounters with Rwanda’s iconic primates. With a mix of forest, lake, and savannah ecosystems, every day promises new discoveries, from colorful endemic songbirds to magnificent raptors, with the added thrill of spotting gorillas and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

 

8-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

Rwanda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Detailed 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Evening Birding at Nyabarongo Wetlands

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your professional 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari guide who will brief you on your Rwanda adventure. After VIP transfers, you may enjoy a light lunch in the city before beginning your first birding excursion to the nearby Nyabarongo wetlands, a prime urban birding site. These wetlands attract waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds, offering a serene introduction to Rwanda’s avian diversity.

As the sun begins to set, the wetlands come alive with species such as the Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), African Spoonbill (Platalea alba), and Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) hunting along the shallows. The rhythmic calls of African Fish Eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) provide a thrilling soundtrack to the scene. Birdwatchers will enjoy identifying marsh-dwelling species and photographing elegant herons and ibises in the golden evening light.

Kigali’s gentle hills and distant views of Lake Muhazi provide a scenic backdrop. Return to your city lodge for dinner and overnight rest, preparing for the forested adventure ahead. This evening sets the tone for an immersive wildlife journey, blending urban wetlands with lush highland ecosystems.

Key Birds of the Day:

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) | Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) | Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) | Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

 

Day 2 – Birding Nyungwe Forest: Uwinka Trails & Primary Canopy

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most biodiverse montane rainforests. Upon arrival, enjoy a briefing with your guide, emphasizing endemic and rare species. Begin your morning birding walk along the Uwinka trails, moving slowly to spot understory and mid-canopy birds. Dense vegetation and bamboo thickets provide habitat for elusive species such as the Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis), and Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum).

The forest is alive with activity: flocks of Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) fly overhead, while small passerines like Collared Apalis (Apalis thoracica) and Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) call from the dense foliage. Forest primates, including L’Hoest’s Monkeys and Chimps, occasionally cross your path, adding to the excitement. Mid-morning, enjoy a guided canopy walk, elevating your perspective to spot high-canopy species such as Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) and Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni).

Return to your lodge for lunch, then continue afternoon birding along secondary forest trails, focusing on more secretive species like Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) and Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys). Sunset brings sightings of African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii) and other nocturnal birds, a gentle reminder of the rainforest’s continual rhythm. Dinner and overnight at your Nyungwe lodge provide both comfort and immersion in this lush ecosystem.

Key Birds of the Day:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis) | Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) | Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) | Collared Apalis (Apalis thoracica) | Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) | Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys)

 

Day 3 – Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe Forest: Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee Tracks

Rise early for a full day birding immersion in Nyungwe, combining dense understory trails with canopy walks. Today’s focus is spotting Albertine Rift endemics, a key highlight for serious birders. Morning trails are alive with Red-headed Bluebill (Spermophaga ruficapilla), Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata), and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata).

Mid-morning, head to the canopy walk, suspended above the forest, providing access to species rarely observed from the ground, such as Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx mechowi) and Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus). From this vantage, primate activity is also visible; troops of Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and L’Hoest’s Monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti) navigate branches, offering the chance for photography and study.

After lunch at the lodge, continue birding along forest edge and riverine trails. Listen for the calls of African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) and watch Speckled Tinkerbirds (Pogoniulus scolopaceus) as they forage for insects. Optional late-afternoon chimpanzee tracking provides an unforgettable wildlife complement to birding, highlighting the interconnectedness of Nyungwe’s ecosystem. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.

Key Birds of the Day:

Red-headed Bluebill (Spermophaga ruficapilla) | Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata) | White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata) | Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx mechowi) | Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) | African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis) | Speckled Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus scolopaceus) | Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | Black-collared Apalis (Apalis pulchra) | White-bellied Robin-Chat (Cossypha humeralis)

 

Day 4 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Afternoon Birding

Today, depart Nyungwe Forest after breakfast for the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to gorillas, golden monkeys, and approximately 180 recorded bird species. The drive offers en route birding opportunities, including sightings of Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis), and African Citril (Crithagra citrinelloides). Rolling hills, terraced farms, and forest fragments create a mosaic habitat where bird activity is abundant.

Upon arrival at the lodge near the park, settle in and enjoy lunch overlooking misty volcanic slopes. In the afternoon, take a short birding walk around lodge grounds, targeting edge species such as Red-throated Alethe, Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae), and Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis). The evening provides a serene ambiance, punctuated by distant primate calls and the soft hum of the forest. Dinner at the lodge concludes the day, preparing for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Key Birds of the Day:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis) | African Citril (Crithagra citrinelloides) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) | White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Black-collared Apalis (Apalis pulchra)

 

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Permit

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking & Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Rise early to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s world-renowned Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Today represents the pinnacle of the 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari experience, combining gorilla trekking with opportunistic birding. After an informative briefing with UWA rangers, set out into the dense montane forest along the park’s well-maintained trails.

The trek varies in difficulty depending on gorilla location but is typically 2–5 hours, winding through bamboo thickets, moss-covered trees, and fern-laden undergrowth. While tracking, keep your eyes and binoculars trained on canopy and understory birds. You may encounter Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) in the mid-canopy, Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys), and Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni), all endemic species that thrive in Rwanda’s montane forests.

Upon encountering a gorilla family, you are granted one hour in their presence, a rare opportunity to observe their social behaviors, vocalizations, and playful interactions. These moments provide an unforgettable 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari experience, with the forest alive with birdcalls and rustling foliage. After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest.

The afternoon offers more birding along forest edges and nearby trails. Watch for Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae), Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis), and Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis). The combination of gorilla encounters and high-density birding makes Volcanoes National Park a pinnacle for both primate enthusiasts and birders alike. Dinner and overnight at the lodge provide comfort amid Rwanda’s volcanic hills.

Key Birds of the Day:

Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) | Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis) | White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) | Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops)

 

Day 6 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Birding Transfer to Akagera

Start the day with an exhilarating Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park. These elusive primates inhabit bamboo forests at higher altitudes and are often accompanied by flocks of high-canopy birds. Early morning is ideal for spotting Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri), Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni), and Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops). Guides assist in locating monkey troops and secretive birds, offering insights into their ecological interactions.

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah ecosystem. En route, stop at vantage points for roadside birding. The dramatic transition from montane forest to open plains allows birders to observe species not present in Nyungwe or Volcanoes, such as African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) and African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis).

Upon arrival at Akagera, settle into your lodge and take an evening stroll near Lake Ihema, spotting waterbirds and enjoying a serene sunset over the wetlands. The combination of forest and savannah birding, along with the possibility of seeing elephants, buffalo, and hippos, underscores the diversity of Rwanda’s ecosystems. Dinner at the lodge completes this multifaceted day.

Key Birds of the Day:

Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) | African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra) | Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)

 

Day 7 – Full-Day Birding & Game Drives in Akagera National Park

Today is dedicated to full-day exploration of Akagera National Park, combining game drives with intensive birding. Begin at dawn, when savannah birds are most active. Expect to encounter African Fish Eagles patrolling the lakes, Goliath Herons stalking shallow waters, and African Jacanas darting across floating vegetation. Forested islands in Lake Ihema harbor Malachite Kingfishers (Corythornis cristatus) and Pied Kingfishers (Ceryle rudis).

Mid-morning, venture deeper into the park on a guided game drive, observing the “Big Five” – elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Alongside mammals, bird diversity remains remarkable, with Crowned Eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus), Purple-crested Turacos (Tauraco porphyreolophus), and Black-winged Lapwings (Vanellus melanopterus). A picnic lunch by a scenic waterhole allows for continued photography and birdwatching.

Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema enhances the 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari experience. Waterbirds and hippos create a dynamic ecosystem where African Spoonbills (Platalea alba), Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus), and Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) can be observed. The interplay of savannah, wetland, and riparian habitats provides a rich tapestry for photographers and birders. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Key Birds of the Day:

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) | Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) | Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus) | Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus) | African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) | Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)

 

8-Day Rwanda Birding Safari

Rwanda Safari Experience

Day 8 – Morning Birding & Departure from Kigali

On the final morning, enjoy a sunrise birding session along Lake Ihema or nearby wetlands, capturing species you may have missed. Early risers can spot Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), African Fish Eagle, and various weaver species gathering nesting material. Listen for the call of Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), a secretive bird inhabiting wetland reed.

After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, embark on the transfer back to Kigali. En route, stop for a brief walk-in local wetlands or forest fragments to spot Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris) and other endemics. Upon arrival in Kigali, you may enjoy a quick cultural stop or shopping before your international departure, concluding this immersive 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari with unforgettable memories.

Key Birds of the Day:

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) | Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) | Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris) | Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) | Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) | Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)

 

8-day Rwanda Birding Safari Highlights by Park

  • Nyungwe Forest National Park: Albertine Rift endemics, turacos, apalises, forest warblers, and chimpanzees.
  • Volcanoes National Park: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest birds, Ruwenzori endemics.
  • Akagera National Park: Savannah species, waterbirds, Big Five mammals, lake-edge birds.

 

8-day Rwanda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • All airport transfers and road transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Professional English-speaking guide/ornithologist
  • Accommodation as indicated (mid-range eco-lodges and lodges)
  • Full-board meals throughout the safari
  • Gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes NP)
  • Golden Monkey trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (Nyungwe NP optional)
  • Canopy walk fees (Nyungwe NP)
  • Boat cruises on Lake Ihema
  • All park entrance fees
  • Bottled drinking water daily
  • Cultural visit to local communities (optional)
  • Government taxes and service charges

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Rwanda
  • Visas for Rwanda if required
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal items (laundry, tips, souvenirs, drinks)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Kigali

This completes the full luxury 8-day Rwanda Birding Safari itinerary, fully immersive for birding enthusiasts, primate trackers, and wildlife photographers. Each day combines intensive birding, primate encounters, and breathtaking landscapes, designed to provide a holistic East African safari experience.

 

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