10-Day Wildlife and Birding Tour in Rwanda
A 10-day Rwanda circuit combining Albertine Rift birding, Akagera wildlife, primate trekking and wetland birding near Kigali.
About this tour
Combine Rwanda’s major wildlife landscapes with focused birding on a ten-day circuit from Kigali. The route links Akagera’s savanna and lakes, the mountain forests around Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and the biodiversity of Nyungwe before returning to the capital.
Activities include game drives, boat excursions, wetland birding and scheduled or optional primate experiences. Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek and Red-faced Barbet are among the birds highlighted for the journey, while gorilla, golden-monkey and chimpanzee activities depend on permits and operating conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Rwanda.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali
After the Kigali arrival, meet the driver and transfer to Chez Lando Hotel. Dinner and the first night are scheduled there.
Day 2
Early transfer to Akagera and Lake Ihema
Depart at 05:00 for Akagera National Park, with a brief tea or coffee stop before the morning game drive. Following lunch, continue to Lake Ihema for a sunset boat trip from about 16:30 to 18:00. Ruzizi Tented Lodge is the planned accommodation.
Day 3
Full day of birds and wildlife in Akagera
Spend another day exploring Akagera for birds and savanna wildlife while travelling toward the park’s northern sector. Later, return to the lodging area for a night drive and stay at Karenge Bush Camp.
Day 4
Final Akagera session and onward to Musanze
Take an early safari, pause for breakfast around 09:00 and continue birding and wildlife viewing while exiting the park. The afternoon road journey leads to Musanze, with arrival expected around dinner. Overnight is at Fatima Hotel.
Day 5
Mountain gorilla activity or Buhanga birding
Reach the park headquarters by 07:00 for the briefing and group allocation for mountain gorilla trekking. Guests not joining that activity may instead bird at Buhanga Eco-Park. After lunch, the stated programme visits the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to learn about Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy, followed by another night at Fatima Hotel.
Day 6
Golden Monkey visit and transfer to Lake Kivu
Report to park headquarters for the Golden Monkey briefing and morning trek. After lunch, travel to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu and check in at Moriah Hotel.
Day 7
Lake Kivu cruise and journey to Nyungwe
Take a morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu for island birding and lake scenery. Continue to Nyungwe after lunch for the listed zipline and canopy-walk activities, ending at about 17:00 before dinner and lodging at Chimpanzee Lodge.
Day 8
Chimpanzee activity and Ndambara waterfall walk
Leave with a packed breakfast at 05:30 for the chimpanzee activity, which is planned through the morning. At 15:00, undertake the walk to Ndambara waterfall. A second night is arranged at Chimpanzee Lodge.
Day 9
Coffee experience and return to Kigali
Drive toward Kigali with a stop at Maraba to follow coffee from plantation to cup. After lunch, visit the King’s Palace Museum, then continue to Chez Lando Hotel for dinner and the overnight.
Day 10
Kigali sights, optional wetland birding and departure
Use the morning for Kigali, with the Genocide Memorial listed before lunch. Depending on the agreed plan, birding may instead include Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-tourism Park or Bugesera wetlands. After lunch and souvenir shopping, transfer to the airport for the evening flight.
Locations & map
- Kigali - Kigali City Rwanda
- Akagera National Park - Eastern Province Rwanda
- Volcanoes National Park - Northern Province Rwanda
- Lake Kivu - Western Province Rwanda
- Nyungwe National Park - Southern and Western Provinces Rwanda
- Bugesera wetlands - Eastern Province Rwanda
6 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available year-round; dates on request
Included
- Full-board accommodation and meals with one carbonated drink or tea or coffee
- Private safari vehicle, fuel and a French- and English-speaking driver
- Guiding and entrance or activity fees specified in the programme
- Government taxes and bank charges
Not included
- International flights
- Any applicable visa fee
- Personal purchases, laundry and alcoholic drinks; unlisted activities are also at the traveller’s cost
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle with driver-guide Road transport and fuel for the confirmed route are included; boat, park and trekking activities follow the agreed daily program. | Meet: Kigali International Airport; final flight and pickup details are confirmed after inquiry. | Pickup: Airport pickup is arranged according to the confirmed arrival details.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Which parts of Rwanda are included?
The route uses Kigali, Akagera National Park, Musanze and Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park.
What primate activities appear in the programme?
Mountain gorilla, Golden Monkey and chimpanzee activities are listed. Permits, final availability and any alternative birding option must be confirmed for the requested dates.
How much of the journey is birding?
Birding is woven into Akagera, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and the final Kigali-area day, alongside wildlife, primate and cultural activities.
Is the tour limited to one departure?
The listing presents the programme as available year-round. BirdWatch will request current dates, group availability and the operating proposal for each inquiry.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.