Bird watching in Rwanda is excellent, offering a mix of Albertine Rift endemics in the west and savannah species in the east, with key locations including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and the Rugezi Marsh. Other notable areas are Volcanoes National Park, the newest Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Lake Kivu. The variety of habitats, from montane forests to wetlands and savannahs, supports a rich diversity of birdlife, including over 490 species recorded in Akagera and the endemic Albertine Rift species.
The following offers do NOT include the permits/entrance/park fees!
travel: jeep
food: fruits, sandviches and lunch
including: binoculars, permits
PRICE: 350 USD
travel: car
food: fruits, sandviches and lunch
including: binoculars, permits
PRICE: 200 USD
travel: local bus
food: fruits, biscuits and lunch
including: binoculars, permits
PRICE: 150 USD
The prices for the canopy walk activity vary by residency status and do not include the separate park entrance fees:
| Visitor Type | Canopy Walk Fee | Park Entry Fee (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| International | $40 USD | $100 USD |
| Foreign resident (in Rwanda/EAC) | $20 USD | $60 USD |
| Rwandan/EAC Citizen | $5 USD | $10 USD |
Note: For children aged 6 to 12, activity fees are half price, and park entry is free for children under 6.
For any special request/individual itenary/group discount etc., please
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Top Birding Locations in Rwanda
- Nyungwe Forest National Park: This montane rainforest is a prime destination for Albertine Rift endemics, such as the Red-collared Babbler and Purple-breasted Sunbird, and offers a world-class birding experience.
- Akagera National Park: A savannah park with diverse ecosystems, it is rich in general African birds, raptors, and waterbirds, boasting over 500 recorded species and the chance to see the Shoebill.
- Rugezi Marsh: As the country’s only RAMSAR site, this marsh is a top destination for wetland species like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Papyrus Yellow Warbler.
- Volcanoes National Park: Known for gorilla trekking, this park also hosts Albertine Rift endemics and species like the Rwenzori Turaco.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s newest national park, this rehabilitated forest area also supports numerous endemic species and forest specialists.
- Lake Kivu: The lake’s shores and islands offer opportunities to see waterbirds, and local gardens can provide sightings of terrestrial species.
Key Bird Species
- Albertine Rift Endemics: Rwanda hosts 27 of the 44 endemic species from this region, including the Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Rwenzori Turaco.
- Wetland Species: At Rugezi Marsh and other wetlands, you can find the Papyrus Genolek and Lesser Jacana.
- General Avian Life: Expect to see savannah species in Akagera, raptors, waterbirds, and diverse flycatchers and kingfishers.
Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae) – Beautiful Sunbirds (Cinnyris pulchellus)