Rwanda is another East African country that offers excellent birding opportunities. Despite its small size, Rwanda is home to a variety of habitats and a diverse range of bird species and Birding Safaris in Rwanda offer you the stunning sights and sounds. Here are some destinations and areas you might consider for a birding safari in Rwanda.

1. Akagera National Park:

This savannah park on the border with Tanzania is home to a mix of savannah and wetland birds, including the African fish eagle, shoebill stork, and various waterfowl.

Here are some of the bird species you might encounter in Akagera National Park:

1. African Fish Eagle: This iconic bird of prey is often seen near the park’s lakes and rivers, where it hunts for fish.
2. Grey Crowned Crane: This striking bird, with a golden crown of feathers on its head, is the national bird of Rwanda and can be spotted in grassy areas and wetlands.
3. Lilac-breasted Roller: Known for its vibrant plumage and aerial acrobatics during courtship displays, this bird is a common sight in the park.
4. Marabou Stork: These large, ungainly-looking birds are often seen near water sources, scavenging for food.
5. Open-billed Stork: This wading bird has a distinctive bill with a gap, which it uses to feed on aquatic invertebrates.
6. African Spoonbill: Easily recognizable by its spoon-shaped bill, this bird can often be seen in shallow waters searching for food.
7. Yellow-billed Oxpecker: These small birds are known for their association with large mammals like buffalo and rhinoceros, where they feed on ticks and other parasites.
8. Red-faced Barbet: A colorful and noisy bird, the Red-faced Barbet can be spotted in woodland areas.
9. African Wattled Lapwing: Recognizable by its distinctive facial wattles and loud calls, this lapwing is often seen in open grasslands.
10. White-winged Tern: These graceful terns can be seen over the park’s lakes and wetlands, where they hunt for fish.

These are just a few examples of the bird species you might encounter in Akagera National Park. While the park is primarily known for its larger mammals like elephants, lions, and giraffes, it still offers a rewarding birdwatching experience for those interested in avian diversity. Birdwatching can be especially enjoyable along the park’s lakeshores and wetlands, where many bird species congregate to feed and nest.

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2. Nyungwe Forest National Park:

A pristine rainforest with a high concentration of endemic and rare bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco, and many Albertine Rift endemics.

Here are some of the bird species you might encounter in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

1. Ruwenzori Turaco (Great Blue Turaco): This large, striking bird with bright red plumage and a distinctive blue crown is one of the park’s highlights.
2. Grey Crowned Crane: This elegant bird is the national bird of Rwanda and is often seen in grassy areas and wetlands around the park.
3. Rwenzori Batis: A small, colorful bird with striking plumage, the Rwenzori Batis is endemic to the Albertine Rift and can be found in the forested areas of the park.
4. Kivu Ground Thrush: Another Albertine Rift endemic, this bird has a beautiful plumage and is often found on the forest floor.
5. Grauer’s Swamp Warbler: This warbler is a near-endemic to the Albertine Rift and is usually found in the park’s wetlands and swampy areas.
6. Red-throated Alethe: A small and secretive bird, the Red-throated Alethe is known for its melodious song and can be spotted in the undergrowth.
7. Rwenzori Apalis: A tiny bird with distinctive plumage, the Rwenzori Apalis is another Albertine Rift endemic often seen in the forest canopy.
8. Dusky Crimsonwing: This species of finch is known for its deep crimson plumage and can be found in the bamboo zones of the park.
9. Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher: This striking bird is named for its bright yellow eye-ring and can be spotted in the forested areas.
10. Handsome Francolin: A bird of the forest floor, the Handsome Francolin is known for its colorful plumage and distinctive call.

3. Volcanoes National Park:

While famous for its mountain gorillas, this park also offers birding opportunities, with species like the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird and dusky crimsoning.

Some of the bird species you might encounter in Volcano National Park include:

1. Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose): The Nēnē is the official state bird of Hawaii and is found in the park’s high-elevation areas, particularly around Haleakalā Crater. It is a critically endangered species and one of the rarest geese in the world.
2. ‘Apapane: These small, crimson-colored birds are often seen flitting among the ‘ōhi’a trees, which are prevalent in the park. They have a distinctive call and are known for their striking plumage.
3. ‘I’iwi: The ‘I’iwi is a brilliantly colored, scarlet Hawaiian honeycreeper with distinctive curved bills. They can often be found feeding on nectar from the native ‘ōhi’a lehua flowers.
4. ‘Amakihi: The ‘Amakihi is another Hawaiian honeycreeper found in the park. They have a greenish-yellow plumage and are known for their varied diet, which includes nectar, insects, and fruits.
5. ‘Elepaio: This small, grayish bird is known for its distinctive song and can be found in various forested areas throughout the park.
6. ‘Akiapola’au: This unique and endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper has a distinctive bill, with one side adapted for probing for insects and the other for pecking at tree bark.
7. ‘Oma’o: The ‘Oma’o is a songbird with dark plumage and a melodious song. It can be found in the forested areas of the park.
8. ‘I’o (Hawaiian Hawk): The ‘I’o is Hawaii’s only native hawk and can occasionally be seen soaring above the park’s landscapes. They are skilled hunters and play an important role in the ecosystem.

4. Lake Kivu:

The lakeshore and wetland areas around Lake Kivu provide habitats for a variety of water birds, including cormorants, kingfishers, and herons.

Birdwatchers visiting the Lake Kivu area can expect to encounter a variety of bird species, especially around the lake’s shores, marshes, and the surrounding forests. Some of the bird species you might encounter in this region include:

1. African Fish Eagle: These majestic raptors are often seen soaring over the lake, hunting for fish.
2. Pied Kingfisher: This small, black-and-white kingfisher is a common sight around freshwater bodies like Lake Kivu.
3. Malachite Kingfisher: A brightly colored kingfisher that can be found near the water’s edge.
4. African Spoonbill: This wading bird with its distinctive spoon-shaped bill is often seen in shallow waters.
5. White-winged Tern: Terns are frequently seen flying over the lake, hunting for fish.
6. Black-headed Heron: These herons can often be found near the water’s edge, patiently waiting for prey.
7. Hadada Ibis: Known for their distinctive calls, these ibises can be found in grassy areas near the lake.
8. African Jacana: These birds are known for their incredibly long toes, which help them walk on floating vegetation in wetland areas.
9. African Openbill: Named for the gap in their bills, these storks can be seen near water searching for food.
10. Swamp Flycatcher: As the name suggests, these flycatchers are often found near wetlands and marshes.

When planning a birding safari in Rwanda, consider the following tips:

Guide and Operator: Choose a reputable tour operator that offers birding-focused tours with experienced guides who know the local bird species and their habitats.

Timing: Similar to Uganda, the dry seasons from December to February and June to August are generally the best times for birding in Rwanda.

Accommodation: Opt for lodges and accommodations that cater to birders, offering bird-friendly gardens and guides knowledgeable about the local avifauna.

Equipment: Bring quality binoculars, a bird field guide specific to the region, a notebook, and a camera with a telephoto lens to capture bird sightings.

Ethical Birding: Practice responsible birdwatching by respecting the birds and their habitats. Avoid disturbing them for extended periods and follow ethical guidelines.

Health and Safety: Check for any required vaccinations or health precautions before your trip. Also, be aware of safety guidelines when encountering wildlife in their natural habitat.

When is the best time to do birding in Rwanda?

The best time for birding in Rwanda generally aligns with the country’s dry seasons, which provide better visibility of birds due to less dense vegetation and increased bird activity. The two main dry seasons are:

December to February: This is the short dry season, which offers pleasant weather for birding. During this time, many migratory bird species are also present in Rwanda. It’s a great time to visit Nyungwe Forest and other forested areas, as the weather is relatively dry and the bird species are active.

June to August: This is the long dry season and another excellent time for birding in Rwanda. The weather is relatively dry and cool, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. This period is also favorable for birdwatching due to clear skies and easier bird spotting.

During these dry seasons, bird species are more likely to come out into the open to search for food and engage in various activities. The vegetation is also less dense, making it easier to spot and identify birds.

It’s worth noting that Rwanda’s birding opportunities are available year-round, and even during the wetter months (March to May and September to November), you can still enjoy birdwatching. However, the wetter seasons might present challenges like muddy trails and reduced visibility due to rain and foliage.

Additionally, if you’re interested in witnessing the arrival of migratory species, the months of November to April are the prime time for these bird sightings.

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