Rwanda’s Top Birding Spots
Rwanda, celebrated as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a paradise for bird lovers. Despite its compact size, the country boasts incredible biodiversity, with over 700 bird species recorded across its varied habitats. From high-altitude forests and rolling savannahs to wetlands and lakeshores, Rwanda’s landscapes create perfect conditions for birdwatching. Whether you are a seasoned birder seeking Albertine Rift endemics or a beginner eager to marvel at colorful species, Rwanda offers some of Africa’s most rewarding birding experiences.
In this blog, we explore Rwanda’s top birding spots, each offering unique sightings and landscapes. These destinations not only highlight the country’s avian treasures but also demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and eco-tourism.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – The Albertine Rift’s Avian Treasure
Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a global biodiversity hotspot. It is particularly famous for its abundance of Albertine Rift endemics, making it a must-visit for serious birders. The park is home to more than 300 species of birds, 27 of which are found only in this region.
Notable species include the Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Walking along the forest’s well-maintained trails, birders are serenaded by a chorus of calls, while the dense canopy reveals flashes of color and movement.
One of the highlights of Nyungwe is the canopy walkway, suspended 70 meters above the forest floor. It provides birders with an unrivaled vantage point to observe canopy-dwelling species. Combined with its primates and lush vegetation, Nyungwe is arguably Rwanda’s premier birding destination.
Akagera National Park – Savannah and Wetland Birding
In eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park provides a contrasting birding experience to Nyungwe. This park is characterized by rolling savannahs, acacia woodlands, and extensive wetlands along the Akagera River and Lake Ihema. With more than 480 bird species recorded, Akagera is one of East Africa’s most diverse birding sites.
Among its highlights are water-associated birds such as the African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, and Open-billed Stork. Birders also flock here in search of the elusive Shoebill Stork, which thrives in Akagera’s marshlands. Other notable species include the Papyrus Gonolek, Long-toed Lapwing, and African Finfoot.
Boat trips on Lake Ihema are particularly rewarding, allowing visitors to see large flocks of herons, egrets, and kingfishers alongside hippos and crocodiles. Game drives also reveal grassland and raptor species, blending birding with big-game safaris.
Volcanoes National Park – Birds Among the Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park in the northwest is most famous for gorilla trekking, but it is also a remarkable birding destination. The park’s bamboo forests, montane vegetation, and volcanic slopes are home to around 200 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics.
Key sightings here include the Archer’s Ground Robin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Batis, and Handsome Francolin. The high-altitude habitats also make it one of the best places to see the Rwenzori Turaco, whose striking green, blue, and red plumage is a birder’s delight.
Birding in Volcanoes National Park is often combined with gorilla or golden monkey trekking, making it a destination that delivers diverse wildlife encounters alongside exceptional avian sightings.
Rugezi Marsh – A Ramsar Wetland of Global Importance
Rugezi Marsh, located in northern Rwanda, is one of the country’s lesser-known but highly rewarding birding destinations. Recognized as a Ramsar site, this high-altitude wetland is vital for waterbirds and migratory species.
The marsh is particularly renowned for hosting the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, a species endemic to the Albertine Rift. Other highlights include the Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and White-winged Swamp Warbler. The peaceful environment and relatively low number of tourists make Rugezi Marsh a tranquil birding haven.
For serious birders seeking rarities, this site is unmissable, offering a unique ecosystem distinct from Rwanda’s forests and savannahs.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Rwanda’s New Birding Frontier
As Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura is still relatively undiscovered, but it holds great promise for birding. Nestled in the northwestern highlands, this montane rainforest provides habitat for over 230 bird species, including several Albertine Rift endemics.
Birders can spot species such as the Mountain Yellow Warbler, Grey-crowned Crane, Regal Sunbird, and Rwenzori Batis. The park’s conservation story adds to its appeal, as it is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to restore degraded forests and create wildlife corridors.
Visiting Gishwati-Mukura not only offers birdwatching opportunities but also supports vital conservation initiatives in one of Rwanda’s most fragile ecosystems.
Kigali and Urban Birding
Even within Rwanda’s capital city, birdwatchers will find plenty to admire. Kigali’s green spaces, gardens, and wetlands provide habitat for species such as the Black-headed Gonolek, Common Fiscal, African Pied Wagtail, and various weavers.
Umusambi Village, a sanctuary for rescued Grey Crowned Cranes, is particularly notable. Here, visitors can observe these elegant birds in a safe environment, alongside other wetland species. Kigali proves that birding in Rwanda doesn’t always require a trip deep into the wilderness—nature thrives even in the heart of the city.
Lake Kivu – Lakeshore Birding
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, offers birding experiences that blend relaxation with adventure. The lake’s shores and islands are habitats for kingfishers, cormorants, and herons. Birders can also spot the White-breasted Cormorant and African Pied Kingfisher while enjoying boat rides.
In towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye, lakeside walks reveal a mix of aquatic and forest-edge species. For those hiking sections of the Congo Nile Trail, bird sightings add an extra layer of delight to the journey, with colorful sunbirds and weavers frequently seen among the vegetation.
Why Rwanda is a Birding Paradise
What makes Rwanda particularly special for birdwatchers is its compactness. Within a relatively small area, travelers can move from rainforest to savannah, from wetlands to volcanic slopes, and encounter an extraordinary variety of species. This efficiency allows birders to maximize sightings without needing weeks of travel.
Additionally, Rwanda’s focus on conservation and sustainable tourism ensures that its birding habitats are well protected. National parks and reserves are supported by local communities, meaning that every visit contributes directly to the preservation of habitats and the welfare of people who live alongside them.
Travel with Muhiga Safaris
Rwanda’s top birding spots—Nyungwe’s rainforests, Akagera’s wetlands, Volcanoes’ volcanic slopes, and the quiet beauty of Rugezi Marsh—offer bird lovers some of Africa’s richest experiences. With species ranging from Albertine Rift endemics to migratory wonders, the country is truly a birding paradise.
To make the most of this avian diversity, expert guidance is essential. Muhiga Safaris specializes in creating birding itineraries that combine Rwanda’s key habitats with cultural experiences and classic safaris. Their knowledgeable guides, attention to detail, and passion for Rwanda’s wildlife ensure that every sighting is meaningful and memorable.
When you travel with Muhiga Safaris, your birding journey becomes more than a checklist—it becomes a story of connection with Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife, and people.