Birdwatching Across Rwanda

Birdwatching Across Rwanda

Birdwatching across Rwanda offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. While the country is renowned for its mountain gorillas, bird lovers will find an equally compelling reason to visit. Despite its modest size, Rwanda is home to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, from savannah plains and misty highland forests to wetlands and marshes. This wealth of habitats supports over 700 recorded bird species, including many rare Albertine Rift endemics, making Rwanda a premier destination for both dedicated ornithologists and casual birdwatchers.

A Country of Rich Bird Diversity

The beauty of Birdwatching Across Rwanda lies in its accessibility. In a single trip, visitors can move from the papyrus swamps of Akagera National Park to the montane forests of Nyungwe, and from the volcanic slopes of the north to the wetlands within Kigali itself. Each environment supports its own unique collection of bird species, ensuring that no two birding excursions are ever the same. From the colorful turacos and sunbirds to large raptors and rare forest dwellers, Rwanda offers a chance to observe species that are often difficult to find elsewhere.

Akagera National Park

Located in the east of the country, Akagera National Park is a mosaic of savannah, woodland, lakes, and marshes. The park supports over 480 bird species, making it one of Rwanda’s richest birding areas. Waterbirds thrive along the shores of Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes, with African fish eagles, open-billed storks, and African jacanas being common sightings. For the patient observer, rarities such as the papyrus gonolek and shoebill stork may appear in the swampy fringes. Akagera combines classic savannah game viewing with birding, making it a versatile destination.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

In the south of Rwanda lies Nyungwe Forest, a vast montane rainforest that is a treasure for birdwatchers. The park harbors more than 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics that are rarely found outside this region. Highlights include the regal Rwenzori turaco, the striking great blue turaco, and a variety of sunbirds and flycatchers that dart through the forest canopy. Birding in Nyungwe is an immersive experience, with trails winding deep into the forest where the calls of different species echo through the mist. For those seeking rare and elusive forest birds, Nyungwe is one of the most rewarding places in East Africa.

Volcanoes National Park

In the north, Volcanoes National Park is famous for gorilla trekking, but it also offers rich birding opportunities. The park’s volcanic slopes are home to over 200 species, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Species such as the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird and the dusky crimsonwing can be spotted among the bamboo and montane vegetation. Birding here often complements gorilla or golden monkey trekking, providing a more complete appreciation of the park’s biodiversity.

Rugezi Marsh

For wetland birding, Rugezi Marsh in northern Rwanda is an exceptional site. This high-altitude swamp supports more than 40 species and is particularly valued as a habitat for threatened species such as the Grauer’s swamp warbler. Birders visiting this Ramsar-designated wetland can expect to encounter a variety of waterbirds and marsh specialists while enjoying the scenic beauty of the marsh itself.

Kigali Wetlands

Even within the capital city of Kigali, birdwatching opportunities abound. Wetland areas such as Nyabarongo provide habitats for kingfishers, herons, weavers, and other common species. For visitors with limited time, a morning birding excursion in Kigali can still yield impressive sightings without the need for long travel. The city’s accessibility and safety make it a convenient starting point for both experienced and beginner birdwatchers.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Whether you are trekking through the rainforests of Nyungwe, drifting across the lakes of Akagera, exploring the volcanic slopes in the north, or simply walking through Kigali’s wetlands, Rwanda offers birding opportunities at every turn. The sheer number of species combined with the beauty of the country’s landscapes makes birdwatching here a deeply rewarding experience. For those who combine birdwatching across Rwanda with primate tracking or traditional safaris, the country reveals itself as a destination where wildlife experiences are as varied as they are unforgettable.

Top Albertine Rift Endemic Birds in Rwanda

Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni)

  • Description: A striking bird with brilliant green and violet-blue plumage, complemented by red primaries and a glossy green or purplish-blue crest.

  • Habitat: Found in montane forests along the Congo-Nile Divide.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)

  • Description: A small, brightly colored finch with a red crown, face, and back, contrasted by black wings and tail.

  • Conservation Status: Endangered, with an estimated population of 2,500–9,999 individuals.

  • Habitat: Prefers low-level montane forests.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus)

  • Description: A leaf warbler with a distinctive red face, inhabiting montane forests.

  • Habitat: Endemic to the Albertine Rift montane forests.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata)

  • Description: A small, active bird with a distinctive mask-like face pattern.

  • Habitat: Montane forests and bamboo zones.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)

  • Description: A small sunbird with iridescent golden-green plumage and a boldly-marked red and yellow breast.

  • Conservation Status: Least Concern.

  • Habitat: Evergreen mountain forests, scrubland, and bamboo.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops)

  • Description: A small, black-and-white flycatcher with a distinctive white stripe along the wing and a white loral spot.

  • Habitat: Montane evergreen forests at altitudes of 1,340–3,300 meters.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Dwarf Honeyguide (Indicator pumilio)

  • Description: A tiny bird known for its subtle olive-brown plumage and unique feeding behavior on beeswax and larvae.

  • Habitat: Montane forests.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Turdoides rufocinctus)

  • Description: A babbler species with a distinctive red collar around its neck.

  • Habitat: Montane forests and bamboo zones.

  • Best Viewing Locations: Nyungwe Forest National Park.

These species are best observed in Rwanda’s montane forests, particularly within Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is renowned for its rich avian biodiversity. Birding enthusiasts should consider visiting during the dry season (June to September) for optimal viewing conditions.