10 days Rwanda birding safari

If there is one safari on the African continent that truly delivers on every front  are birds, ancient forest, and face-to-face moments with mountain gorillas  it is a birding and gorilla tour through Uganda.

This small, landlocked country in the heart of East Africa holds more bird species than any country on the continent north of the equator, and it shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas inside a single forest so dense and ancient it has earned the name “Impenetrable.”

This guide walks you through every day of our signature 10 -Days rwanda Birding  safari , covering exactly what you will see, where you will sleep, how to prepare, and why this particular itinerary consistently ranks among the finest wildlife journeys available on earth.

Whether you are a serious lister chasing Albertine Rift endemics, a wildlife lover dreaming of gorilla trekking, or a traveller who simply wants an experience unlike anything else, read on. Everything you need to know is right here.

Brief itinerary

Day:  1; Arriving in Kigali

Day :2 – 3; Exploring Akagera National Park

Day: 4 – 5; Discovering Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 6 – 7; Enjoying Lake Kivu

Day 8 -9; Volcanoes National Park Birding

Day 10: Drive back to Kigali.

Detailed itinerary of the10 days Rwanda birding safari

Day 1; Arriving in Kigali

On your arrival at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda our representative will welcome you with a warm smile. Help with your transfer to your lodging. Relax, and get adjusted to your new surroundings.

Day 2 – 3; Exploring Akagera National Park

Head out for a birding experience with a visit to Akagera National Park which is situated in the portion of Rwanda. Spend two days soaking up the parks environments including savannah plains, marshes and woods. Keep a watch out for interesting bird species such as the Shoebill Stork, Fish Eagle and Grey crested Crane. And you will get the chance to see raptors such as the Bateleur Eagle and Martial Eagle.

Bird watching in Mabamba swap

Day 4 – 5; Discovering Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your adventure proceeds to Nyungwe Forest National Park, rainforest birders call a heaven. Spend two days visiting this magnificent parkland woods, bamboo thickets and swampy places. Look for birds like the Great Blue Turaco, Red-collared Mountain Babbler and Rwenzori Turaco. Nyungwe Forest is famous for being to Albertine Rift endemics, a real paradise for keen birdwatchers

Day 6 – 7; Enjoying Lake Kivu

Visit Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes and home to waterbirds. The tranquil lake is ideal for catching sight of bird species in their natural habitat.

Spend a couple of days soaking in the shoreline and surrounding wetlands. You will be able to see different species of birds including the Pied Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle and White winged Tern. For a better experience, take a boat tour on the lake where you can get up close to the wildlife and see the surrounding countryside.

Day 8 -9; Volcanoes National Park Birding

Days 8-9: Visit Volcanoes National Park, famed for its mountain gorillas and a variety of interesting birds. Explore the parks magical bamboo forests and higher elevation locations over two days.

Here you might see birds like the Rwenzori Batis, the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and the Ruwenzori Nightjar. In addition to birding there’s also a chance that you may encounter mountain gorillas during a gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 10: Transfer back to Kigali.

On day 10 after enjoying a breakfast it will be time to bid farewell to Rwanda as you make your way back, to Kigali International Airport for your departure.

Tour inclusions

A professional English speaking guide

A comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle

A gorilla permit

Birding fees

A Chimpanzee  permit

all activities specified above

Tour exclusions

International fights

Tips and laundry

Any items not specified on the itinerary

personal items like souvenirs