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Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

trip to East Africa

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Ultimate 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari Private Tour Itinerary for Birders

Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers an extraordinary birding experience thanks to its diverse ecosystems, ranging from wetlands and savannahs to dense montane forests and volcanic highlands. Over seven days, this 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari combines immersive birding with opportunities to encounter iconic wildlife, primates, and endemic species across three major locations: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Rugezi Swamp near Volcanoes National Park.

This 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari is designed for the discerning traveler who values both comfort and adventure. Each day blends early morning excursions for optimal bird activity, guided forest walks, boat safaris, and optional primate encounters. Bird enthusiasts can expect to observe a remarkable variety of species, including Albertine Rift endemics, savannah birds, and wetland specialists, making this itinerary ideal for both photographers and field ornithologists.

Private Itinerary for Birders

Beyond birds, the itinerary immerses travelers in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, from the rolling hills and volcanic peaks to expansive lakes and swamps teeming with wildlife. Cultural encounters are seamlessly integrated, offering insights into local communities and conservation efforts. With luxury lodges strategically located near prime birding sites, each night provides a restful retreat while keeping guests close to nature.

The 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari balances focused birding, optional primate experiences, and wildlife observation, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s rich avian and ecological diversity. By the end of seven days, participants will have explored the country’s savannahs, wetlands, and montane forests, witnessing rare bird species, stunning vistas, and intimate wildlife encounters in comfort and style.

Rwanda Birding Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Detailed 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a Deks Safaris guide welcomes you. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah and wetland ecosystem. The journey introduces you to Rwanda’s undulating landscapes, verdant hills, and rural villages.

Arrive at your lodge, check in, and settle in for the evening. A short evening birding walk around the lodge grounds offers the chance to spot common species adjusting to the twilight, including African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus), Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix), and Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii). The lodge’s location near wetlands provides excellent vantage points for spotting waterbirds settling for the night.

This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the park’s picturesque surroundings, with the soothing sounds of croaking frogs and distant calls of birds like the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) providing a gentle welcome to Rwanda’s wild landscapes.

Birds to Spot Today:

African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) | Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) | Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) | African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) | Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) | Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) | Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) | Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus) | White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)

Day 2 – Full-Day Birding in Akagera National Park

Awake early for a sunrise birding session near Lake Ihema, the park’s largest wetland system. Akagera supports over 525 bird species, making it a paradise for avid birders. Waterbirds dominate the morning, with Goliath Herons (Ardea goliath), African Jacanas (Actophilornis africanus), and Malachite Kingfishers (Corythornis cristatus) patrolling the shallow waters. Hippos and Nile crocodiles add to the photogenic scenery.

Mid-morning, embark on a guided game drive through the savannahs, seeking the “Big Five” mammals while observing savannah-adapted bird species. Highlights include Long-crested Eagles (Lophaetus occipitalis), Pied Crows (Corvus albus), and Purple-crested Turacos (Tauraco porphyreolophus). The interplay of wildlife and birdlife provides dynamic photography opportunities, capturing predators, elephants, and antelope in action.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering intimate encounters with waterbirds such as African Fish Eagles, White-faced Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna viduata), and Hamerkops (Scopus umbretta). The cruise provides calm water reflections and ideal lighting for photography. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Birds to Spot Today:

Day 3 – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s premier montane rainforest and a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemic birds. The drive passes through tea plantations, rolling hills, and remote villages, offering intermittent roadside birding opportunities. Keep an eye out for African Grey Hornbills, Speckled Mousebirds (Colius striatus), and Cabanis’s Greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) along the way.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a short evening nature walk, ideal for spotting forest edge species such as Grey-headed Nigrita (Nigrita canicapilla) and Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia). The lodge’s proximity to forest trails allows for peaceful observation of birds returning to roost as the sun sets. Dinner is served overlooking the lush forest canopy, setting the stage for the next day’s intensive birding.

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) | Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) | Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)

Day 4 – Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is a birder’s paradise, with over 300 recorded species, many of which are Albertine Rift endemics. Begin at dawn with a guided forest walk, following narrow trails under dense canopy. Listen for the calls of Chestnut Owlet (Glaucidium castaneum) and Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus).

Mid-morning, traverse the Uwinka trails, capturing sightings of Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni), Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae), and Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni). Nyungwe’s forests provide opportunities for photographing African primates like chimpanzees or red-tailed monkeys, enhancing the multi-species experience.

A late afternoon canopy walk gives a bird’s-eye view of the forest, perfect for spotting high-canopy species such as Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata). Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Birds to Spot Today:

Chestnut Owlet (Glaucidium castaneum) | Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus) | Ruwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis) | White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata) | Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) | Mountain Yellow Warbler (Iduna similis) | Olive-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris chloropygius)

Rwanda Mid-Range Safari

Day 5 – Optional Chimpanzee Trekking & Continued Birding in Nyungwe

Today combines birding with optional primate trekking. For those interested, a morning chimpanzee trek offers close encounters with Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, accompanied by a plethora of forest birds. Trails often reveal Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni), Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops), and Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus).

For non-trekkers or those wanting a more relaxed pace, dedicate the day to forest birding and photography, focusing on canopy, understory, and edge species. Explore trails near Cyamudongo Forest, spotting Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys), Grey-chested Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera), and Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema).

Optional afternoon cultural encounters with nearby communities provide context on conservation and forest resource management. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Birds to Spot Today:

Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) | Ruwenzori Batis (Batis diops) | Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus) | Red-throated Alethe (Alethe poliophrys) | Grey-chested Illadopsis (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) | Chestnut-throated Apalis (Apalis porphyrolaema) | Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae) | Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) | Red-headed Malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) | White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata)

Day 6 – Transfer to Ruhengeri & Birding at Rugezi Swamp

After breakfast, drive north toward the Ruhengeri region, near Volcanoes National Park. Stop along the route to observe highland species and wetland birds, including Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri), Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris), and African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis).

Upon arrival, check into the lodge and enjoy evening birding at Rugezi Swamp, a key site for marsh-dependent species. The swamp’s floating vegetation, reedbeds, and scattered papyrus support endemic and migratory species alike, offering excellent photography opportunities during the golden hour. Dinner and overnight at the lodge provide comfort after a rewarding day of travel and birding.

Birds to Spot Today:

Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) | Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Calamonastides gracilirostris) | African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis) | Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) | Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala) | Swamp Flycatcher (Muscicapa aquatica) | White-winged Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus carpalis) | African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus) | Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)

Day 7 – Morning Birding at Rugezi Swamp & Transfer to Kigali / Departure

Start the final day with sunrise birding at Rugezi Swamp, optimizing sightings of shy and crepuscular wetland birds. Species include Papyrus Gonolek, African Marsh Harrier, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler, along with incidental sightings of hippos and crocodiles.

After the morning excursion, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and prepare for the drive back to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, a short stop at Nyabarongo Wetlands allows for a final birding session, spotting African Jacanas, Grey-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus), and Long-tailed Cormorants (Microcarbo africanus). Arrive at Kigali in time for international departure, concluding an immersive 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari journey.

Birds to Spot Today:

Shoebill Tracking on a Canoe

7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

All airport transfers and road transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
Professional English-speaking birding guide
Accommodation in eco-lodges / mid-range lodges as indicated
Full-board meals throughout the safari
Park entrance fees (Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes)
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Canopy walk fee in Nyungwe (if opted)
Gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permit (optional, additional cost)
Bottled water during the safari
Cultural visits to local communities
Government taxes and service charges

Safari Exclusions

International flights to/from Rwanda
Rwanda visas
Travel and medical insurance
Personal items (tips, souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

This luxury 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari by Deks Safaris and Tours is designed for avid birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking comfort with adventure. Each day combines highly productive birding sites, scenic landscapes, and optional primate encounters, ensuring a memorable East African experience.