This 4 Days Rwanda Bird Watching Safari is going to enable you enjoy the best birding experience in Rwanda.
Rwanda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 700 bird species across its diverse landscapes. A 4-day bird watching safari with Go Self Drive Rwanda offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the country’s rich avian life. Whether you’re an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, this safari promises an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team from Go Self Drive Rwanda. After a brief introduction, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, we can embark on a city tour to explore the vibrant capital. Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, which offers a poignant look at Rwanda’s history.
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Day 2: Bird Watching at Akagera National Park
Today, we journey to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Akagera is a haven for water birds and other savannah species. The park’s diverse habitats include lakes, swamps, and grasslands, making it an ideal location for birding.
Look out for species like the African Fish Eagle, Shoebill Stork, and Papyrus Gonolek. The game drives will also offer sightings of other wildlife, such as elephants, buffalo, and antelopes. After a full day of birding and wildlife viewing, we’ll return to our lodge for a restful evening.
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Day 3: Birding in Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, we head to Nyungwe National Park, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its birdlife. En route, enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills.
Nyungwe is divided north–south by a line of mountains that reach 2,600–2,900 m and which form part of the Congo–Nile watershed. As a result, Nyungwe is composed of two areas differing in pedology, vegetation, water-flow and biodiversity.
This wonderful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare to Cyangugu road passing straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding. A total of 275 species have been recorded in Nyungwe, reflecting the wide habitat diversity and altitudinal range. These include, all the 25 species of the Albertine Rift mountains Endemic Bird Area that occur in Rwanda, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefeller’s Sunbird (both globally threatened, restricted-range and biome-restricted). In addition, 11 of the 23 species of the Guinea–Congo Forests biome and 71 of the 74 species of this biome of Afrotropical Highlands that occur in Rwanda have been recorded at this site. Generally, Nyungwe is certainly the most important forest for the conservation of montane birds in the region.
We have an early morning breakfast then set out to Uwinka for the Albertine Rrift endemic birds search. Among the many we look out for, include; Kivu Ground-Thrushm, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Red-chested, SunbirdRegal Sunbird, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, few Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red- throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Handsome Francolin, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Northern Puffback, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Variable Sunbird, Waller’s Starling, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, just to mention but a few.
Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge | Gisakura Guest House (Full Board)
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Day 4: Birding at Lake Kivu and Departure
Our final day takes us to the serene Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The lake’s shores and surrounding areas are excellent for bird watching. Key species include the African Pygmy Kingfisher, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, and Yellow-billed Stork.
After a morning of birding, we’ll have lunch by the lake before heading back to Kigali for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible bird species you’ve encountered and the breathtaking landscapes you’ve explored.
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Why Choose Go Self Drive Rwanda?
At Go Self Drive Rwanda, we are committed to providing an exceptional safari experience. Our knowledgeable guides, well-maintained vehicles, and personalized itineraries ensure you have a memorable trip. Whether you’re looking for a self-drive option or a guided tour, we have the perfect solution for you.
Conclusion
A 4-day bird watching safari in Rwanda with Go Self Drive Rwanda is a captivating journey through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. From the lush forests of Nyungwe to the savannahs of Akagera and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, this safari offers a unique glimpse into Rwanda’s avian diversity. Book your adventure today and discover why Rwanda is a top destination for bird watchers worldwide.