16 Days & 15 Nights, Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Tour – Albertine Rift Endemics & Big Game Adventure

Discover the Wild—Journey into Nature’s Untamed Heart

16 days

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Overview

16 Days & 15 Nights, Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Tour – Albertine Rift Endemics & Big Game Adventure

Trip Overview
This 16-day Rwanda Birding and Wildlife Tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda — “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” You’ll explore diverse habitats, from the lush Afro-montane forests to expansive savannas and serene lakes. With over 750 recorded bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics and more than 130 Palearctic and intra-African migrants, Rwanda offers an unmatched birding paradise. Alongside birdwatching, you’ll also enjoy exciting wildlife encounters with chimpanzees, golden monkeys, the Big Five, and a variety of primates. This comprehensive journey covers all Rwanda’s Important Birding Areas (IBAs) and is guided by a professional bird guide.

Highlights

Explore Rwanda’s top birding hotspots including Akagera, Nyungwe & Volcanoes National Parks
Seek 29 Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco and Regal Sunbird
Discover over 525 bird species in Akagera National Park
Enjoy game drives for Big Five sightings — lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards
Trek golden monkeys and optionally chimpanzees or mountain gorillas
Experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk above lush tropical forest
Visit Rugezi Swamp, Nyabarongo Wetlands & Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Scenic drives through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and Lake Kivu shores

Tour Plan

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali & Birding at Umusambi Village

Arrive early in Rwanda and meet your driver-guide at the airport. After a short briefing, start your birding experience in Kigali at Umusambi Village — a restored wetland sanctuary and home to rescued Grey-crowned Cranes. Spot species like White-collared Oliveback, Purple-crested Turaco, and Green-winged Pytilia.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2 – Birding Nyabarongo Wetlands & Bugesera Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of birding in Bugesera District. Explore the Nyabarongo River Wetlands and Gashora Lakes searching for Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Swamp Warbler. Afternoon birding covers woodland and farmlands.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Transfer to Akagera National Park & Afternoon Birding

Head east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savanna park. Enjoy your first game drive spotting zebra, giraffes, and rhinos while ticking off species like African Fish Eagle and Swamp Flycatcher. Sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema offers close views of hippos, crocs, and waterbirds.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Full Day Birding in Akagera National Park

A rewarding day birding in the southern acacia woodlands and savannas. Look for the Red-faced Barbet, a special of Akagera. Enjoy both game and birding drives, with possible night sightings of Nightjars.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Birding the Northern Plains of Akagera

Drive north to the Kilala Plains, a hotspot for the Shoebill and other savanna species. This area also offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities for lions, antelopes, and elephants.
Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp (Upmarket)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Morning Birding & Transfer to Kigali

Enjoy an early morning game drive before returning to Kigali in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Transfer to Musanze & Birding in Buhanga Forest

Head north to Musanze and explore Buhanga Forest for forest bird species including White-starred Robin and African Paradise Flycatcher.
Accommodation: Ingagi Park View Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Birding in Rugezi Swamp (IBA)

Spend the day birding in Rugezi Swamp searching for the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Albertine endemic) and other wetland species.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Volcano Trekking & Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Trek the Virunga Mountains and bird Volcanoes National Park. Look out for Rwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Mountain Masked Apalis.
Optional: Gorilla Trekking
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Golden Monkey Trek & Transfer to Lake Kivu

Enjoy an early trek to see the playful Golden Monkeys, followed by transfer to Lake Kivu. Afternoon birding around the lake may yield the Southern Red Bishop.
Accommodation: Paradise Kivu (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Birding in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Spend the day birding Gishwati Forest, home to 17 Albertine Rift endemics and several primate species.
Accommodation: Forest of Hope Guest House (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park & Canopy Walk

Drive to Nyungwe, Rwanda’s birding jewel with over 310 species. Take the canopy walk adventure for spectacular aerial forest views and bird sightings.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Birding in Nyungwe: Gisakura & Kamiranzovu Marsh

Full-day birding in Nyungwe targeting Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, and numerous Albertine Rift endemics.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Birding Mt. Bigugu Trail

Explore the Bigugu Trail to the park’s highest point. Spot mountain specialists such as Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Apalis, and Blue-headed Sunbird.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Optional Chimpanzee Trekking or Birding in Nyungwe

Choose between chimp trekking in Cyamudongo Forest or another day of birding through the pristine Nyungwe ecosystem.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 – Transfer to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for your outbound flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Trip Includes