10 Days Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Adventure

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; 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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, 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

Your Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package 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.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a 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.

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.

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 Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package 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-Day Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Expedition In conclusion, the 10-Day Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Adventure promises and delivers an unparalleled East African experience, meticulously crafted to exceed the expectations of even the most discerning birders and wildlife enthusiasts. 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 and the ancient montane forests are echoing with melodic calls. The Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package component offers an emotionally resonant encounter with habituated gorilla families. This truly once-in-a-lifetime experience 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 Go.