Our birdwatching tips in Rwanda
Perhaps the key area for bird watching in Rwanda is the vast Afromontane forest of Nyungwe National Park, which is recognised as an IBA ('Important Bird Area') by Birdlife International. Look here for some of Rwanda's Albertine Rift endemics, including the Albertine owlet, collared apalis, red-collared mountain-babbler and Grauer's and Neumann's warblers.
As an aside, the papyrus swamps in Akagera National Park are one of few places in Africa where shoebill storks are found - although we haven't yet found a good way for our travellers to see them here.
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 location
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$10,170 - US$14,080 per person
Sabyinyo Silverback
Set in seven hectares of land, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge makes a good base for birdwatching in Rwanda. Just walking through the gardens affords the opportunity to see many species of birds, including some endemic to the Albertine Rift. There is a local ornithologist available if you wish to have a guide.
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$12,160 - US$19,000 per person
Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Forest is arguably the most important location for birders in Rwanda, with over 300 species recorded here including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Head out with a specialist bird guide from Nyungwe House and look for the Gret Blue Turaco and Rockefeller's sunbird among others.
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$9,710 - US$12,170 per person
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera is a bird rich area with over 450 savannah and water birds recorded here. It is one of the best places in East Africa to observe papyrus endemics. Head out on a boat safari to try and spot the papyrus gonolek or the highly elusive shoebill.
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person
Rekero
Kenya birdwatching is good here for the variety of habitats in the vicinity. Birders will enjoy the privacy of the tent veranda areas with uninterrupted views across the rocky valley of the Talek River.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,440 - US$19,790 per person
Kwara Camp
The environment at Kwara Camp is incredibly diverse resulting in superb birdwatching. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround camp while papyrus-lined waterways, lagoons, mopane woodland and scrub savannah are all easily accessible.
Best camps & lodges for Birdwatching in Rwanda
Sabyinyo Silverback
Set in seven hectares of land, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge makes a good base for birdwatching in Rwanda. Just walking through the gardens affords the opportunity to see many species of birds, including some endemic to the Albertine Rift. There is a local ornithologist available if you wish to have a guide.
Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Forest is arguably the most important location for birders in Rwanda, with over 300 species recorded here including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Head out with a specialist bird guide from Nyungwe House and look for the Gret Blue Turaco and Rockefeller's sunbird among others.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera is a bird rich area with over 450 savannah and water birds recorded here. It is one of the best places in East Africa to observe papyrus endemics. Head out on a boat safari to try and spot the papyrus gonolek or the highly elusive shoebill.
Birdwatching elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Birdwatching in other countries.
Botswana
Much of northern Botswana consists of vast tracts of untouched wilderness with plenty of wildlife...
Kenya
Kenya is a prime destination for a birdwatching holiday at any time of year. Tremendous geographical ...
Malawi
Malawi has a number of species which are rare in the rest of Southern Africa, and birdwatching ...
Mozambique
Mozambique stretches over 2000km from north to south. It is a lush and varied country, and birding ...
Namibia
The best time for bird watching in Namibia is during the rains - typically between around November ...
Seychelles
The Seychelles is a disparate group of islands - some granitic; some coralline - scattered around ...
South Africa
South Africa has the highest number of endemic bird species in mainland Africa. Birding in the ...
Tanzania
With a range of endemic bird species, Tanzania is a great location for a birdwatching holiday. ...
Zambia
Birdwatching in Zambia will reveal a mix of south, east and even central African birds. Birdlife ...
Zimbabwe
Whilst Zimbabwe doesn't have any endemics, it's still great for bird watching. A Zimbabwe holiday ...
Where to see wildlife species in Rwanda
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,809 sightings from 3,387 observations
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,988 sightings from 4,387 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,821 sightings from 4,448 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,929 sightings from 3,274 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,369 sightings from 4,309 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,126 sightings from 4,521 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,306 sightings from 4,083 observations
Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla beringei
The world’s most impressive primate, the mountain gorilla inhabits a handful of locations in Africa’s equatorial cloud forests, where guided treks offer an intense wildlife experience.
100% SUCCESS
48 sightings from 48 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
666 sightings from 2,208 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,618 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 3,590 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,563 sightings from 3,222 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,188 sightings from 4,976 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
540 sightings from 2,231 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
519 sightings from 2,239 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 367 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
529 sightings from 1,233 observations
Other styles of holiday in Rwanda
Discover all that Rwanda has to offer
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.