Rwanda is a paradise for birding and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a remarkable mix of habitats from montane forests and misty volcanoes to savannah plains and shimmering lakes. This 8 Days Rwanda Bird Watching and Wildlife Safari is designed for discerning travelers who want to explore the country’s rich birdlife and spectacular wildlife while enjoying the comforts of Rwanda’s finest lodges. With over 700 bird species recorded, Rwanda is a top destination for both novice and experienced birders. This curated itinerary blends guided birdwatching in prime locations like Nyungwe and Akagera with traditional safari drives, boat trips, and optional primate trekking, all complemented by luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and personalized service.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by a private guide and transferred in a luxury vehicle to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon or explore Kigali’s green hills and gardens, home to a surprising diversity of urban birdlife including sunbirds, weavers, and the Ross’s turaco. In the evening, attend a welcome dinner at one of Kigali’s fine restaurants, featuring panoramic views and traditional cuisine with a modern twist.
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: (Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park.
After a gourmet breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda (approx. 2.5–3 hours’ drive), a rich savannah ecosystem teeming with wildlife and over 525 bird species. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga, a prime spot for birding.
In the afternoon, head out on a bird-focused game drive, looking for raptors such as the African fish eagle, bateleur, and martial eagle, as well as rollers, hornbills, and the rare papyrus gonolek in wetland areas. End the day with a sundowner on the lodge deck and a chef-prepared bush dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Full Day Safari – Birding Adventure in Akagera
Begin your day with a sunrise birding drive across the park’s varied habitats open plains, woodlands, lakes, and swamps. You’ll search for Arnot’s chat, white-winged warbler, red-faced barbet, saddle-billed stork, and African jacana, among others. Expert guides with birding scopes will help you identify and photograph rare species.
After a bush breakfast, continue into the northern plains for a big game safari, where sightings of lions, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes are common. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, a hotspot for kingfishers, herons, African skimmers, and open-billed storks.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, travel northwest to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 5–6 hours’ drive). The journey is filled with scenic beauty and occasional roadside birding stops, especially near wetlands and terraced hills. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch en route or dine at a charming local café in Musanze.
Upon arrival, settle into your forest lodge nestled in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the late afternoon birding in the lodge gardens or nearby forest edges home to Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, dusky crimsonwing, and the handsome francolin. In the evening, enjoy a fine three-course dinner with locally inspired cuisine and views of the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Birding in Volcanoes National Park (Optional Gorilla Trekking).
Start the day with a guided birding hike in the park or on its buffer trails. Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s top spots for Albertine Rift endemics, including Ruwenzori turaco, Archer’s robin-chat, striped breasted tit, and Grauer’s rush warbler.
Alternatively, opt for a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience (permit required). You’ll hike into the montane forest to spend an hour observing a habituated gorilla family in the wild, a deeply moving encounter.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for cultural performances, traditional medicine demonstrations, and community engagement. Return to your lodge for a spa treatment and a fine dining experience.
Accommodation: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Enjoy a scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approx. 6–7 hours), one of the most important birding areas in Africa. The drive winds through valleys, tea plantations, and lush hillsides, with scenic stops and birding en route.
Upon arrival, relax at your luxurious forest lodge with expansive views over the canopy. In the late afternoon, enjoy short birding walks near the lodge where species like green-headed sunbird, bar-tailed trogon, and white-tailed blue flycatcher may be spotted.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Birding and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Today is dedicated to exploring Nyungwe’s legendary birding trails with an expert guide. Nyungwe is home to over 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Birding highlights include the Rwenzori batis, red-throated alethe, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, and Kivu ground thrush.
Later, embark on the famous Canopy Walk, a 90-meter-long suspension bridge set 50 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling experience offers excellent opportunities for spotting birds in the upper canopy, such as black-and-white-casqued hornbills and blue turacos.
Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, paired with wine and a performance by a local cultural group to celebrate the richness of Rwanda’s biodiversity and culture.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Return to Kigali – Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali (approx. 5–6 hours’ drive), stopping at scenic viewpoints and birding spots along the way. If time allows, visit a tea factory or artisan center en route.
Arrive in Kigali in time for a farewell lunch at a fine restaurant or day-use access at a luxury hotel before your transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 8 Days Rwanda Bird Watching and Wildlife Safari.
The 8 Days Rwanda Bird Watching and Wildlife Safari cost includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- Ground Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Accommodation and Meals as per the itinerary.
- Bird Watching Expeditions.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Bottled water in the car.
- Tour Guide allowances.
However, the tour cost excludes; International Air Fare, Visa Fees, personal travel and medical insurance, tips to local guides, souvenirs, personal shopping bills and items not listed as included in the cost.