Uganda Birding and Wildlife Safaris

14 Days Uganda – Rwanda Albertine Rift Endemics with gorilla and chimpanzee

Amazing birding and wildlife tours in uganda

Albertine Rift Birding Tour: Rwanda & Uganda

Important bird areas on this tour

Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda) – Home to 270 species, including 25 Albertine Rift endemics.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) – Hosts over 180 bird species, with 14 Albertine Rift endemics.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) – Considered Uganda’s best forest birding destination.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) – A mix of woodland, savannah, and wetland species.
Mabamba Swamp (Uganda) – Famous for the elusive Shoebill.

Main Targets

Albertine Rift endemics
Forest specialists
Savannah species
Wetland birds
Shoebill

Tour Overview

This incredible 13-day birding adventure takes you through some of the most important birding areas in Rwanda and Uganda. You will explore lush forests, high-altitude swamps, and diverse savannahs while spotting rare and endemic bird species. The tour includes visits to Nyungwe Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering fantastic opportunities to see Albertine Rift endemics and other sought-after birds.

This tour offers a fantastic mix of birding, wildlife, and optional gorilla trekking. Get ready for an unforgettable birding adventure through Rwanda and Uganda

Albertine Rift Birding Tour: Rwanda & Uganda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Arrival at Kigali, Pick up and drive to your hotel for overnight. Relax, introduction and briefing for the albertine rift trip in Rwanda and Uganda

Day 2: Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Transfer birding to Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe forest is situated in south-west Rwanda between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. This beautiful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare-Cyangugu road passing straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding. About 270 species have been recorded in Nyungwe, reflecting the wide habitat diversity and altitudinal range. These include all the 25 species of the Albertine Rift mountains Endemic Bird Area that occur in Rwanda, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefellers’ Sunbird (both globally threatened, restricted-range and biome-restricted). Also, 11 of the 23 species of Guinea–Congo Forests biome and 71 of the 74 species of this biome of Afrotropical Highlands that occur in Rwanda have been recorded at this site!

Day 3: Full-Day Birding in Nyungwe (Uwinka Trail)

Whole day birding in the park-Uwinka trail for albertine endemics, lookout for; Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Kivu Ground-Thrush, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Red-chested, SunbirdRegal Sunbird, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Northern Puffback, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo etc

Day 4: Transfer to Uganda – Mgahinga National Park

Transfer while birding to Uganda-Mgahinga National Park via Cyanika border. Mgahinga boasts birding with a list of over 180 species of birds and at least 14 Albertine endemics can be seen here. Reach here, early arrival gives a chance to do evening birding around.

Day 5: Full-Day Birding in Mgahinga

Whole day birding in Mgahinga gorilla national park in search for Rwenzori Turaco, Crowned Hornbill, Black Kite and Crowned Crane, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Turtle Dove, Alpine Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double-collared Sunbird. Farmland along the Northern edge of the Park is guarded by a dry stone wall that keeps Buffalo in the Park and out of crops. The trail along the wall is ideal for birding. Along this trail look out for Chubb’s Cisticola, Banded Prinia and Doherty’s Bush Shrike are vocal yet inconspicuous in habitats of tangles at the forest edge whilst Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher and Mackinnons’s Fiscal favors more exposed perches. Common Stonechat is abundant but here shares the habitat with many of the typical African open-country species: including Wing Snapping Cisticola, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Grassland Pipit, and Yellow Crowned Canary.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija Sector)

Bird watching transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Ruhijja Sector. Forest birding in Bwindi ranks the best in Uganda with the best sight guides who use their mouth whistles to mimic the birds. A zigzag drive from the main gate to the lodge through the forest gives a chance to spot a handsome francolin on the roadside plus other birds.

Day 7: Full-Day Birding in Bwindi (Ruhija – Mubwindi Swamp)

Whole day birding in bwindi impenetrable national park-Ruhijja sector. Today early after our break first, start our day birding the mail trail to mubwindi swanp. The main highlights of this trail is the African Green Broadbill and the Grauer’s Warbler and other birds/or endemics like Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Rockeffeller’s Sunbird, Purple-Breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-Wing, Red-Collard Mountain Babbler, Chapin’s Mountain Babbler, Neumann’s’ Warbler, Prigogine’s Greenbul, Black-Faced Apalis, Collard Apalis, Stripe-Breasted Tit, Grauer’s Cukooshrike, Yellow-Crested Helmetshrike, Ruwenzori Batis, Dwarf Honeyguide etc

DayDay 8: Birding Through “The Neck” to Buhoma

Morning birding in the community to try species that we could have missed I the previous day of birding and proceed with our transfer to Buhoma sector of bwindi via the “NECK” several stops will be made on this journey to try several spots for a couple specialties. Even further down on our road, cultivated areas provide feeding opportunities for many seedeaters. Our main targets here will be the highly sought-after Dusky Twinspot and Yellow-Bellied, Black-Headed and Black-Crowned Waxbills. African Stonechat; Streaky and Thick-Billed Seedeaters; African Citril and Cape Canary may also be found here. Noisy Chubb’s Cisticolas will mock us from deep within the bracken! And the beautiful Doherty’s Bushshrike can be lured out from the dense vegetation. Mackinnon’s Shrikes survey the road from high, exposed perches! The NECK,’ another well-known birding locality. Here we will search for species such as Black Goshawk; Bronze-Napped Pigeon; Cinnamon-Chested, Black Bee-Eater; Cassin’s Honeyguide; Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike; White-Chinned Prinia; the enigmatic Chapin’s Flycatcher; Mountain Wagtail; Pink-Footed Puffback; the rare Tiny Sunbird and the attractive Brown-capped Weaver. We have many chance of seeing the L’heost’s, Red Tailed and the Black and White Colobus Monkey on our journey! There are so many special birds at these elevations that we do not want to rush through, we continue with our drive to Buhoma

Day 9: Full-Day Birding in Buhoma Sector

Whole day birding in Buhoma sector of bwindi impenetrable national park in search for; Cabanis’sGreenbul, Narrow-Tailed Starling, Grey-Winged Robin Chart, Eliots Woodpecker, Northern Double-Collard Sunbird, Black-Billed Weaver, Bocage’sBushshrike, Pink-Footed Puffback, Petit’sCukooshrike, White-Bellied Nigrafinch, Cameroon SombreGreenbul, African Broadbill, Buff-Throated Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Yellow Bill, Black-Faced Rufous Warbler, Little Grey Greenbul, Equatorial Akalat, Short-Tailed Warbler, Red-Headed Malimbe, White Browed Crombec, Mountain Black Boubou, Jameson’s Anti-Peckeretc

Day 10: Optional Gorilla Trekking or Birding in Buhoma

Trekking day for those interested in gorillas, on this day, we set of early, with packed lunch, to the park headquarters for a briefing prior to Gorilla Tracking. The gorillas are gentle animals and it is an unforgettable experience to photograph them as they interact. It is a wonderful experience to stare in to the eyes of these gentle giants; watch them in awe as they play and go about their daily activities. It is indeed a “once in a lifetime” experience that you must never miss! Each encounter is different and has its own rewards; you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngster’s frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display. Gorilla tracking involves part or one day in the Impenetrable Forest. Sometimes the gorillas can be located within an hour or so, but at other times it sometimes takes an entire day of quite hard trekking to find them and return, so you need to be physically fit if you wish to maximize your chances. Very occasionally, in spite of all efforts, the gorillas prove elusive. Depending on the time we get back we might have optional village to the communities around the gorillas the pygmies inclusive or evening birding around the self-guided train in Buhoma, another Eden of birding in Uganda and later transfer to our lodge for dinner and overnight (the trip could end here and return back to Kigali for the flight back home) or take some days further through queen Elizabeth national park for some interesting savanna species

Day 11: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birding in queen Elizabeth national park (find the lions of Ishasha sheltering from the fierce rift valley sun on the boughs of ancient fig trees!). Early after breakfast we depart birding to queen Elizabeth national park through kanungu area where chances abound to trace for rarity of Rufous-Breasted Wryneck in this area, continue birding to the southern sector of queen Elizabeth where we can’t miss the likes of Whinchats, Greater Scimitarbill, Black Kit, Superb Sunbird, still on a way in ishasha area Little Button, Blue, Common, Harlequin Quails skulk in short grasses along the way. A couple of mammals like Cape Buffalo, Lions, Elephants, Uganda Kobs, Waterbacksetc thrill in this area.

Day 12: Birding and Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel

From early morning, birding in queen Elizabeth national park and evening boat cruise at Kazinga Channel. In this morning we try for Broad Tailed Warbler, Martial Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Amur Falcon, Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Water Thick-Knee, Three-banded Plover, Marsh, Green, Wood and Common Sandpiper, Plain Martin, Lesser Swamp-Warbler, White-Winged Warbler, Caruther’sCisticola, Black-Headed Gonolek, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-Faced Cisticola, Red-Chested Cukoo, Northern Puffback, Tropica Boubou, Diederik, Klaas’s, African-Emerald Cukoos, Little Stint, Yellow-Throated Long-Claw, East-African Swee, Common Waxbill, Crimson-Rumped Waxbill, and Yellow-billed Ox-pecker etc. mammals include; Olive Baboon, Valvet Monkey, in the kyambura gorge we find the Chimps, Blue and Red Tailed Monkey etc. evening we take boat ride at kazinga channel.

Day 13: Transfer to Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill

Stop at Mabamba Swamp to search for the Shoebill before heading to the airport for departure.

Tour price includes

Park fees for non-residents
All activities listed
Accommodation
Professional birding guide
Transportation
Airport transfers
Meals (as per itinerary)
Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

International flights
Additional accommodation before/after the tour
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
Government-imposed tax/park fee increases

Packages

Experience the ultimate 10-Day Rwanda Birding and Gorilla: Discover vibrant birdlife in Akagera & Nyungwe, plus unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP.

During 10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla, You will Experience best of Rwanda Birding Tours, Rwanda Gorilla Tours, Epic Rwanda Safari, and Guided Birding Tours Rwanda.

Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality but also stands as a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This meticulously crafted 10-day tour offers a unique blend of exceptional birdwatching opportunities and the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystems of Akagera and Nyungwe National Parks, home to hundreds of bird species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics.

Important bird areas During 10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla

Akagera National Park – Savannah and wetland birds, plus unique Tanzanian specialties.
Volcanoes National Park – High-altitude forest species and gorilla habitat.
Nyungwe National Park – Albertine Rift endemics and dense forest species.

10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Main Targets

Shoebill encounters in Akagera.
Savanna birding and game viewing in Akagera.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Roadside birding en route to Nyungwe.
Forest birding in Nyungwe National Park.
Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe.

Tour Overview

Rwanda Birding, Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package. Explore Rwanda’s rich birdlife and breathtaking landscapes on this 10-Day Rwanda Birding and Gorilla. This journey takes you through Akagera National Park’s savannas, the dense forests of Nyungwe, and the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Expect to see rare bird species, diverse wildlife, and experience an unforgettable gorilla trek.

Best of Rwanda Birding: Albertine Rift Endemics

Akagera National Park: Shoebill, Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, Crested Barbet, Broad-tailed Warbler, Souza’s Shrike, Bare-faced Go-away Bird.
Volcanoes National Park: White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Snowy-crowned Robin Chat, Green-headed Sunbird.
Nyungwe National Park: Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing.

10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla:

DETAILED Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park (Birding En Route)

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by our expert guide.
Enjoy a scenic drive east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah-dominated park.
Keep an eye out for early bird sightings along the way, such as African Fish Eagles and various storks.
Check into your accommodation inside or near Akagera National Park.
Optional afternoon birding walk around the lodge.

Tour Details;

Arrival at airport, meet your guide do introductions and later drive leisurely with limited birding stops to Akagera national park in northwestern Rwanda. Akagera national park with low-lying plains, dozens of lakes, savanna and woodland zones. Shoebill encounters, great savanna birding and spectacular game viewing, It also borders Tanzania in the northwest making it great area to spot Tanzania specialties like Red-faced Barbet, Tabora cisticola, Crested barbet and other more from the bordering wildlife of western Tanzania!

Day 2 & 3: Exploring Akagera National Park – A Haven for Waterbirds and Raptors

Embark on exciting game drives through Akagera’s diverse landscapes of savannah plains, woodlands, and numerous lakes.
Akagera boasts over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching in Rwanda.
Look for iconic species like the pre-historic-looking Shoebill Stork, the elegant Grey-Crowned Crane, and a variety of raptors.
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ihema, offering excellent opportunities to spot water birds like herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
Search for localized species such as the Papyrus Gonolek.

Tour Details;

Whole day bird watching and game in Akagera national park. Today after early breakfast start birding looking out for species like Broad-tailed Warbler, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Sooty Chat, White-winged Black Tit, Flappet Lark, Souza’s Shrike, Crested Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Long-tailed, Trilling, Tabora, Rattling and Winding Cisticolas, Miombo Wren Warbler, etc.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Journey Through Rolling Hills

After an early breakfast, begin your journey southwest towards Nyungwe National Park, known for its lush montane rainforest.
The drive offers stunning views of Rwanda’s characteristic rolling hills and agricultural landscapes.
Arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon.

Details;

Checkout and drive to Nyungwe National park. Nyungwe forest is situated in south-west Rwanda between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. This beautiful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare-Cyangugu road passing straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding.

Day 5 & 6: Unveiling the Treasures of Nyungwe Forest – Albertine Rift Endemics

Dedicate these days to exploring the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, home to over 300 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics.
Embark on guided birding trails, such as the famous canopy walk, offering breathtaking views and unique birding perspectives.
Look for specials like the stunning Red-collared Babbler (only reliably found in Rwanda), the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, and the elusive Grauer’s Warbler.
Keep an eye out for other primates inhabiting the forest, such as chimpanzees and various monkey species.

Whole day birding in the park-Uwinka trail to lookout for; Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Kivu Ground-Thrush, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Red-chested, SunbirdRegal Sunbird, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul

Day 7: Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park – The Gorilla Highlands

Enjoy a picturesque drive north towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s majestic mountain gorillas.
The scenery transforms into dramatic volcanic landscapes as you approach the Virunga Mountains.
Settle into your accommodation near the park headquarters in Kinigi.
Prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

Day 8: Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experience: Gorilla Tours in Rwanda

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing and allocation to a gorilla family.
Embark on a trek through the forest with experienced trackers and guides to locate a habituated gorilla group.
Spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat – a truly humbling experience.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon, reflecting on this incredible encounter.

Day 9: Birding in Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Encounter (Optional)

This morning offers another opportunity for birding, this time in the unique high-altitude environment of Volcanoes National Park.
Look for species adapted to these conditions, including several more Albertine Rift endemics.
Alternatively, you can opt for a cultural experience, such as visiting the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions.

Day 10: Departure from Kigali

Enjoy a final breakfast in Rwanda.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred back to Kigali International Airport for your departure, filled with incredible memories of your Rwanda birding and gorilla tour.

Tour price includes

Park fees for non-residents
All activities listed
Accommodation
Professional birding guide
Transportation
Airport transfers
Meals (as per itinerary)
Drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

International flights
Additional accommodation before/after the tour
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
Government-imposed tax/park fee increases.

A Symphony of Feathers and Fur – Exceeding Expectations on the 10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Expedition

In conclusion, the 10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla adventure promises and delivers an unparalleled East African experience, meticulously crafted to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning birder and wildlife enthusiast. This comprehensive itinerary seamlessly blends the thrill of encountering the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with the captivating diversity of Rwanda’s avian treasures across its premier protected areas. Participants embarking on these Guided Birding Tours Rwanda will find themselves immersed in a vibrant tapestry of ecosystems, from the misty slopes harboring endemic Albertine Rift species to the sprawling savannas teeming with unique birdlife and the ancient montane forests echoing with melodic calls. The Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package component offers an emotionally resonant encounter with habituated gorilla families, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that complements the rich ornithological discoveries made throughout the journey. Whether it’s tracking the elusive Grauer’s Swamp Warbler in the papyrus swamps, spotting a myriad of colorful forest dwellers in Nyungwe National Park, or witnessing the sheer abundance of birdlife in Akagera National Park, this Rwanda Birding and Gorilla tour provides a holistic and unforgettable exploration of Rwanda’s natural wonders. The expertly led Rwanda Birding Tours ensure optimal identification opportunities and insightful knowledge about the region’s ecology, making this 10-day expedition a truly enriching and rewarding adventure.

Possible Bird Species to Observe During the Tour: 10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla

Volcanoes National Park:

Handsome Francolin (Francolinus nobilis)
Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)
Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)
Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)
Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops)
Collared Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii)
Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata)
Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus)
Rwenzori Turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni)
Archer’s Ground Robin (Dryocichloides archeri)
Strange Weaver (Ploceus alienus)
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus)
Lagden’s Bush-shrike (Malaconotus lagdeni)
Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni)
Northern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris reichenowi)

Akagera National Park:

Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
Red-faced Barbet (Lybius rubrifacies)
Bennett’s Woodpecker (Campethera bennettii)
Long-tailed Cisticola (Cisticola angusticauda)
Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
African Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)
Black-bellied Bustard (Lissotis melanogaster)
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
Various species of herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

Nyungwe National Park

Red-collared Babbler (Kakamega poliothorax)
Albertine Owlet (Glaucidium albertinum)
Shelley’s Greenbul (Arizelocichla masukuensis)
Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata)
Kungwe Apalis (Apalis argentea)
Chapin’s Flycatcher (Muscicapa lendu)
Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops)
White-headed Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei)
Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae)
Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus)
Cassin’s Hawk-eagle (Aquila africana)
Forest Ground Thrush (Zoothera oberlaenderi)
Doherty’s Bush-shrike (Telophorus dohertyi)
Purple-breasted Sunbird (Cinnyris purpureiventris)

Packages

Rwanda birding and gorilla tour

Important bird areas on this tour

Akagera National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Nyungwe National Park
Lake Kivu Stretch

Main Targets

Albertine Rift Bird Endemics
Gorilla Trekking
Savannah Bird Species
Other Native Bird Species

Tour Overview

This incredible tour takes you through Rwanda’s top birding and wildlife destinations. You will visit Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and Lake Kivu, spotting a variety of bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics and savannah birds. Additionally, you will enjoy gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and explore Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.

Itinerary

DAY 1: BIRDING IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and drive you to Akagera National Park, a fantastic spot for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park’s mix of wetlands, savannah, and woodland supports a wide range of bird species, mammals, and primates. Since the park is not far from Kigali, you will arrive in time for an afternoon birding session, continuing until dark.

Accommodation: Akagera Transit Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: MORNING GAME DRIVE & TRANSFER TO RUHENGERI

Start the day with an early morning game drive, spending 4–5 hours searching for birds and wildlife you may have missed the previous evening. Expect to see birds like Marico Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Red-headed Weaver, Village Weaver, Violet-backed Weaver, African Harrier-Hawk, African Fish Eagle, and Lizard Buzzard. Akagera is home to many savannah species and offers a chance to spot the Big Five.

After the game drive, you will transfer to Ruhengeri, near Volcanoes National Park, making stops along the way to spot new bird species.

Accommodation: La Locanda, Ruhengeri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: GORILLA TREKKING & TRANSFER TO NYUNGWE FOREST

After breakfast, drive for about 20 minutes to the ranger station for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will then trek through Volcanoes National Park to find a gorilla family. Trekking can take between 1–6 hours, depending on their location. After the trek, you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest, making birding stops along the way. Due to speed limits in Rwanda (60 km/hr), arrival at Nyungwe will be around 7:30 PM.

Accommodation: Ear Ken Barham Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: RWANDA BIRDING & GORILLA TOUR: BIRDING IN NYUNGWE FOREST – ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS

After breakfast, we carry along with our lunch boxes and drive to the park entrance to start forest walk there looking for the birds, we spend the whole day here. This is a premier destination for birdwatching in Rwanda, comprised of the Albertine rift endemics and some specialties which cross into this forest from the great Ituri forests of Congo. And a few primates will be spotted here. Some of the highlights of this park include; Rwenzori, Great Blue and Black-billed Turaco, Red-collard Mountain-Babbler, Rwenzori Batis, Rwezori Apalis, Stuhlmann’s, Northern Double-collard, Regal and Variable Sunbirds, the list is long…

Dinner and overnight at Ear Ken Barham Guest house

DAY 5: RETURN TO KIGALI

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali with several birding stops along the way. You will arrive in time for your evening flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour price includes

Park entrance fees
Gorilla trekking permits
All listed activities
Accommodation as mentioned
Professional driver and bird guide
4×4 customized safari vehicle with pop-up roof
All taxes and VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals and drinking water

Tour Price Does Not Include

International flights
Extra accommodation before/after the tour
Tips for guides and staff
Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Packages