16 Days & 15 Nights – Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Tour

Discover the Wild—Journey into Nature’s Untamed Heart

16 days

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Overview

16 Days & 15 Nights – Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Tour

(Explore Rwanda’s Rich Birdlife, Pristine Forests & Iconic Wildlife)

Trip Overview

This 16-day birding and wildlife safari takes you across Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes — from the vibrant wetlands of Akagera to the misty mountain forests of Nyungwe. You’ll explore diverse habitats that host over 750 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, Palearctic migrants, and a variety of primates and big game.

Perfect for passionate birders and nature lovers, this tour covers Rwanda’s key biomes — the Lake Victoria Basin, Savannahs, Afro-montane Highlands, and Congo Forests — making it one of the most comprehensive birding adventures in East Africa.

Led by a professional bird guide (with local site experts at each destination), every day offers a rewarding mix of birdwatching, culture, and wildlife encounters.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda – Birding in Kigali

Arrive early at Kigali International Airport and meet your birding guide for a briefing before heading out for your first birding session in Umusambi Village, a sanctuary for rescued Grey-crowned Cranes and other native species. Look out for White-collared Oliveback, Purple-crested Turaco, and Spot-flanked Barbet.
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Birding – Nyabarongo Wetlands & Bugesera District

After breakfast, drive to Bugesera District, exploring the Nyabarongo River Wetlands (IBA) and Gashora Lakes. Spot Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and many wetland species. Later, explore nearby forests and woodlands before returning to Kigali.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Birding & Wildlife Safari

Depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and a birding paradise with over 525 species. Enjoy your first game drive and a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema, spotting African Jacanas, Fish Eagles, and hippos.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Full-Day Birding in Akagera National Park

Spend a full day birding in Akagera’s southern and central regions, dominated by acacia woodlands and lakeshores. Key targets include Red-faced Barbet, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Brown Snake Eagle. End the day searching for Nightjars and nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Northern Akagera Plains Birding & Game Viewing

Head north to Kilala Plains, home to the Shoebill, lions, giraffes, elephants, and abundant grazers. Enjoy open savannah birding and big game viewing before overnighting in the wild northern plains.
Overnight: Karenge Bush Camp (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Birding & Return to Kigali

Enjoy an early game drive to spot more savannah species before driving back to Kigali.
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Musanze – Birding in Buhanga Forest

After breakfast, drive north toward Musanze, gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Spend the afternoon birding in Buhanga Forest, home to colorful forest specials.
Overnight: Ingagi Park View Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Birding at Rugezi Swamp (IBA)

Full-day birding in Rugezi Swamp, targeting the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and other wetland endemics. Explore surrounding gardens and bushland for additional sightings.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Volcano Trekking & Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Explore Volcanoes National Park, home to 15 Albertine Rift endemics. Hike through bamboo and montane forests to Lake Ngezi, searching for Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Scarlet-tufted Sunbird.
Optional: Gorilla Trekking (extra cost)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, trek to see the playful Golden Monkeys at the base of Mt. Sabyinyo, then continue to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) for lakeside birding and relaxation.
Overnight: Paradise Kivu Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Gishwati–Mukura National Park – Birding

Drive to Gishwati Forest, home to 17 Albertine Rift endemics and several primate species. Spend the day birding along forest trails with a chance to see Rwenzori Batis, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Regal Sunbird.
Overnight: Forest of Hope Guest House (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Canopy Walk

Travel along the scenic Congo–Nile Trail to Nyungwe National Park, the crown jewel of Rwanda’s forests. In the afternoon, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering sweeping rainforest views and bird sightings from above.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Birding in Nyungwe – Gisakura & Kamiranzovu Marsh

Morning birding around Gisakura and Kamiranzovu Marsh, seeking Albertine Rift endemics like Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, and Mountain Illadopsis.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Birding in Nyungwe – Mount Bigugu Trail

Full-day birding along the Mount Bigugu Trail, targeting high-altitude endemics such as Rwenzori Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Neumann’s Warbler, and Regal Sunbird.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Optional Chimpanzee Trekking or Additional Birding

Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest (optional), or continue with another rewarding day of birding through Nyungwe’s lesser-known trails.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for souvenir shopping or a city lunch before your airport transfer.
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Cost Includes