10-Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla
Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Akagera National Park (Birding En Route)
Arrive at the airport, meet your guide, and proceed with introductions. Then, drive leisurely with limited birding stops to Akagera National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Akagera National Park has low-lying plains, dozens of lakes, savanna, and woodland zones. Shoebill encounters, excellent savanna birding, and spectacular game viewing. It also borders Tanzania in the northwest, making it a great area to spot Tanzania specialties, such as the Red-faced Barbet, Tabora Cisticola, Crested Barbet, and other species from the bordering wildlife of western Tanzania.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be warmly welcomed by our expert guide before embarking on a scenic drive east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah-dominated park. Along the way, keep an eye out for early bird sightings, including African Fish Eagles and various species of storks. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation inside or near Akagera National Park, where you can relax and settle in. If time permits, enjoy an optional afternoon birding walk around the lodge.
Safari Activities
- Airport arrival & guide meet-and-greet
- Introduction & trip briefing
- Scenic drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- En-route birdwatching
- Arrival and accommodation check-in
- Optional afternoon birding around the lodge
- Relaxation and overnight stay near Akagera
Meals
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Exploring Akagera National Park - A Haven for Waterbirds and Raptors
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.
Safari Activities
- 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 prehistoric-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.
Meals
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park - Journey Through Rolling Hills
Checkout and drive to Nyungwe National park. Nyungwe Forest is situated in southwestern Rwanda, between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. This beautiful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare-Cyangugu road running straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding opportunities.
After an early breakfast, begin your journey southwest towards Nyungwe National Park, renowned for its lush montane rainforest and rich biodiversity. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Rwanda’s characteristic rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and agricultural landscapes. Continue the scenic drive through the beautiful Rwandan countryside before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon, where you can relax and unwind after the journey.
Safari Activities
- Early breakfast and hotel checkout
- Drive to Nyungwe National Park
- Scenic countryside drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, farms, and rural landscapes
- Birding and wildlife viewing along the route, with opportunities for roadside birding
- Enjoy panoramic views of Rwanda’s picturesque countryside
- Arrive at the lodge near Nyungwe in the late afternoon
- Check in, relax and unwind after the journey
Meals
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Unveiling the Treasures of Nyungwe Forest - Albertine Rift Endemics
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
Dedicate these days to exploring the ancient Nyungwe Rainforest, home to over 300 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Embark on guided birding trails, including the famous canopy walk, offering breathtaking views and unique perspectives for bird watching. Look out for special species such as the stunning Red-collared Babbler, vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, and elusive Grauer’s Warbler, while also keeping an eye out for chimpanzees and various monkey species inhabiting the forest.
Safari Activities
- Whole-day guided birding in Nyungwe Rainforest.
- Birding along the Uwinka Trail and lookout points.
- Search for Albertine Rift endemic and specialty birds, including Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, and Kivu Ground-Thrush.
- Explore the ancient Nyungwe Rainforest and its rich biodiversity.
- Canopy Walk experience for panoramic forest views and unique bird-watching opportunities.
- Wildlife observation, including opportunities to spot chimpanzees and various monkey species.
- Photography and nature observation throughout the forest trails.
- Return from the forest after a full day of birding and wildlife exploration.
Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park - The Gorilla Highlands
Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Experience: Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing and allocation to a gorilla family before embarking on a guided trek through the forest with experienced trackers and guides. Upon locating the habituated gorilla group, spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge in the afternoon, reflecting on this remarkable and humbling wildlife experience.
Safari Activities
- Breakfast
- Park briefing & gorilla family allocation
- Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla viewing/experience
- Return to the lodge
- Afternoon relaxation
Meals
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Birding in Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Encounter (Optional)
This morning offers another opportunity for birding in the unique high-altitude environment of Volcanoes National Park, where you can look out for species adapted to these conditions, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Alternatively, you may opt for a cultural experience by visiting the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn more about Rwandan traditions, culture, and way of life.
Safari Activities
- Morning birding in Volcanoes National Park
- Spotting high-altitude bird species
- Looking for Albertine Rift endemic birds
- OR visiting Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
- Exploring Rwandan traditions and culture
- Learning about the local way of life
Meals
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Departure from Kigali
Enjoy a final breakfast in Rwanda before departing. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred back to Kigali International Airport for your departure, taking with you incredible memories of your Rwanda birding and gorilla tour.
Safari Activities
- Final breakfast
- Departure transfer to Kigali International Airport
- Airport check-in and departure
- End of Rwanda birding and gorilla tour
Meals
Breakfast
Included
- Park fees for non-residents
- All activities listed
- Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package
- Accommodation
- Professional birding guide
- Transportation
- Airport transfers
- Meals (as per itinerary)
- Drinking water
Not Included
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before/after the tour
- Tips
- Personal items (souvenirs, insurance, visas)
- Government-imposed tax/park fee increases.