Birdwatching in Rwanda: Top Spots for Avian Enthusiasts

Birdwatching in Rwanda: Top Spots for Avian Enthusiasts

• Rwanda, despite being one of Africa’s smallest nations, is a magnificent destination for birdwatching, boasting an impressive diversity of over 700 bird species. Its varied landscapes, from ancient montane rainforests to sweeping savannas and extensive wetlands, provide habitats for a remarkable array of avian life, including a significant concentration of the highly sought-after Albertine Rift Endemics.

  Here’s a guide to the top spots for avian enthusiasts in Rwanda:

  1. Nyungwe Forest National Park (Albertine Rift Endemic Hotspot)

  Nyungwe is undoubtedly Rwanda’s premier birding destination, protecting the largest single tract of montane rainforest in East Africa. It’s a critical habitat for a wealth of forest species, especially the highly sought-after Albertine Rift Endemics (AREs). Over 320 bird species have been recorded here, with 27 AREs.

  • Key Species:
    • Albertine Rift Endemics: Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Albertine Owlet.
    • Other notable species include the Great Blue Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, and numerous forest dwellers.
  • Birding Experience: The park offers a network of well-maintained trails for guided walks. The famous Canopy Walkway provides a unique aerial perspective of the forest canopy, often bringing you eye-level with arboreal birds. Guided treks to specific areas like Bigugu Mountain or Kamiranzovu Swamp can yield fantastic sightings.

  2. Akagera National Park (Savanna & Wetland Birds, Shoebill)

  Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park presents a different birding experience with its savanna grasslands, woodlands, and a complex network of lakes, papyrus swamps, and wetlands. It boasts over 500 bird species.

  • Key Species:
    • Waterbirds: African Shoebill Stork (though sighting requires patience and luck, especially on boat trips on Lake Ihema), Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, various kingfishers, and a multitude of pelicans, cormorants, and storks.
    • Savanna Species: Red-faced Barbet, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Grey-crowned Crane, Long-tailed Cisticola, Senegal Lapwing, Brown-chested Lapwing, and various raptors like the Bateleur and Martial Eagle.
  • Birding Experience: Game drives through the savanna, but boat trips on Lake Ihema are particularly rewarding for waterbirds and the elusive Shoebill. The park’s diverse habitats mean you can spend days exploring different areas.

  3. Volcanoes National Park (Montane Forest & AREs)

  Primarily known for its mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also offers excellent birding opportunities within its bamboo and montane forest habitats. Approximately 200 bird species have been recorded, including 17 Albertine Rift Endemics.

  • Key Species:
    • Albertine Rift Endemics: Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Strange Weaver.
    • Other species include the Red-faced Woodland Warbler and various sunbirds.
  • Birding Experience: While gorilla trekking is the main draw, birding can be combined with primate treks or dedicated forest walks along the park’s lower slopes and trails. The challenging terrain means a good level of fitness is beneficial.

  4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park (Newest Park, Albertine Rift Endemics)

  Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura, is a smaller, regenerating montane rainforest that is increasingly becoming a significant birding site. It’s part of the Albertine Rift Endemic Bird Area and offers 232 species in Gishwati and 163 in Mukura.

  • Key Species: It shares many Albertine Rift Endemics with Nyungwe, including the Grey Crowned Crane, Rwenzori Batis, Olive Ibis, and a range of warblers and sunbirds.
  • Birding Experience: Focuses on forest walks and rehabilitation efforts. As the park continues to develop, its birding potential is expected to grow.

  5. Wetlands and Marshes (Waterbirds & Palearctic Migrants)

  Rwanda’s numerous wetlands and marshes, covering about 10% of the country, are critical habitats for waterbirds and migratory species.

  • Rugezi Marsh (RAMSAR Site): Located in northwest Rwanda, this important wetland is home to Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, and Grey-crowned Cranes.
  • Akanyaru Wetlands: Along the border with Burundi, these extensive wetlands are rich in waterbird diversity.
  • Nyabarongo Wetlands: A tributary of the Nile, these wetlands offer sightings of Papyrus Gonoleks, Grauer’s Swamp Warblers, and various other wetland species.
  • Bugesera District (Southeast of Kigali): This area, with its numerous lakes and wetlands, is one of the most accessible for varied wetland birding, with over 400 species recorded, including White-collared Oliveback and Papyrus Canary.
  • Lake Kivu: While known for its scenic beauty, the shores of Lake Kivu are good for waterbirds like White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Kingfishers.

  6. Kigali City Birding

  Even within the capital, there are surprising opportunities for birdwatching.

  • Nyarutarama Lake/Wetlands (Umusambi Village): This urban wetland offers sightings of various waterbirds, including the White-collared Oliveback, and is a great introduction to local species. Umusambi Village is a sanctuary for rescued Grey Crowned Cranes.
  • Kigali’s Gardens and Green Spaces: Common urban birds, sunbirds, and various weavers can be spotted.

  Best Time for Birdwatching in Rwanda

  Rwanda offers good birding year-round, as many of its sought-after species are resident. However, for the highest diversity:

  • Wet Season (October to May): This is generally considered the prime birding season, particularly for migratory birds from Europe and North Africa (October to April/May). Resident birds are also in breeding plumage and more vocal. While rain can occur, it’s often in short bursts, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant.
  • Dry Season (June to September): While migratory birds are fewer, resident birds are still active, and forest trails in Nyungwe and Volcanoes are drier, making trekking easier. Wildlife viewing in Akagera can also be excellent as animals congregate around water sources.

  For a comprehensive birding safari in Rwanda, combining Nyungwe Forest National Park with Akagera National Park is highly recommended to experience both endemic forest species and diverse savanna and wetland birds. Engaging a specialized local birding guide is crucial for identifying calls and locating elusive species.

  d Cranes and other birds.