Tour Overview

Discover Rwanda’s incredible birdlife on this immersive 8-day birding safari through two of the country’s most spectacular ecosystems—Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. Home to more than 700 recorded bird species, Rwanda is one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations, offering exceptional opportunities to spot Albertine Rift endemics, colorful forest birds, wetland specialists, and savannah species in a single journey.

Your adventure begins in the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, where guided birding walks reveal rare species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Warbler, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird. The forest is also home to chimpanzees and several monkey species, while the famous canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the rainforest from above.

The safari continues to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, where extensive wetlands, lakes, woodlands, and open grasslands attract hundreds of bird species alongside the Big Five. Enjoy rewarding game drives and a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema while searching for African Finfoot, Grey Crowned Crane, papyrus birds, kingfishers, raptors, and numerous waterbirds.

Led by experienced birding guides, this safari combines world-class birdwatching with spectacular wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, and memorable cultural experiences, making it an ideal adventure for both dedicated birders and nature lovers.

Tour Highlights

  • Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Search for Albertine Rift endemic bird species
  • Optional chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
  • Game drives in Akagera National Park
  • Boat safari on Lake Ihema
  • Spot the Big Five and diverse wildlife
  • Explore Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes
  • Expert-guided birding throughout the safari

Detailed 8-Day Rwanda Birding Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional birding guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short tour of Kigali, exploring its vibrant streets, local markets, or cultural attractions before relaxing for the evening and preparing for the birding adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. Along the journey, make several birding stops, including the Nyabarongo wetlands, where you may spot papyrus specialists and numerous wetland birds.

Arrive in Nyungwe in the afternoon and enjoy your first birding session around the forest before checking into your lodge.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Spend the day exploring the rich montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s finest birdwatching destinations. Search for Albertine Rift endemic birds including the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, and many more.

Besides its remarkable birdlife, Nyungwe is home to chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, and several other primates that are often encountered during forest walks.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Birding, Canopy Walk & Optional Chimpanzee Trekking

Begin the morning with another rewarding birding excursion through different forest trails to search for additional endemic species.

Later, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering spectacular views above the rainforest canopy and excellent opportunities to observe birds, primates, and forest scenery from a unique perspective.

For those interested, an optional chimpanzee trekking experience can also be arranged.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest to Kigali

Enjoy a final morning birding session in Nyungwe, searching for any species missed during previous outings before departing for Kigali.

The drive back offers additional roadside birdwatching opportunities through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Arrive in Kigali in the evening and check into your hotel.

Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, begin exploring the park’s diverse habitats including woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and open plains while searching for a variety of savannah birds.

In the evening, enjoy a guided night game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife and night-active bird species.

Accommodation: Akagera Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Birding, Game Drive & Boat Safari

Spend the day exploring Akagera National Park with guided birding and wildlife viewing activities. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

Later, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the park’s birding hotspots, where you may observe African Finfoot, Grey Crowned Crane, kingfishers, herons, fish eagles, cormorants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Akagera Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Morning Birding & Departure

Enjoy an early morning birding excursion in Akagera National Park before beginning the return journey to Kigali.

Along the drive, make a few final birding stops while enjoying Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Upon arrival in Kigali, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda birding adventure to an end.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 8-Day Rwanda Birding Safari