12-Day Birding Tour in Rwanda with Peter Wairasho
This 12-day Rwanda itinerary is a rich birding and wildlife safari that explores the country’s most diverse ecosystems—from rainforests and wetlands to savannah and lakeshores.Starting in Kigali, the journey heads to Nyungwe Forest National Park for immersive birding and primate encounters in one of…
About this tour
This 12-day Rwanda itinerary is a rich birding and wildlife safari that explores the country’s most diverse ecosystems—from rainforests and wetlands to savannah and lakeshores.Starting in Kigali, the journey heads to Nyungwe Forest National Park for immersive birding and primate encounters in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. You then unwind at Lake Kivu, combining lakeside relaxation with excellent birdwatching.The safari continues to Volcanoes National Park, where the highlight is trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas alongside unique montane bird species and cultural experiences. From there, you explore the papyrus wetlands of Rugezi Marsh, a haven for rare swamp birds.The journey concludes in Akagera National Park, offering a mix of birding and classic game drives with sightings of large mammals like elephants, giraffes, and hippos before returning to Kigali.Overall, it’s a comprehensive safari blending birding, primates, big game, and scenic landscapes across Rwanda.
Highlights include Arrival and brief city experience in Kigali, Pristine rainforest birding and primate viewing in Nyungwe Forest National Park (chimps, colobus monkeys, rare forest birds), Relaxation and birdwatching at Lake Kivu, Gorilla trekking and mountain birding in Volcanoes National Park and Cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Current departure availability and price are confirmed after inquiry. The program may be adapted to weather, access, bird activity and guest priorities. Wild bird and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrival at Kigali via Kigali International Airport Meet and greet with guide Transfer to hotel Optional activities depending on arrival time: Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial Explore local markets in Kigali Overnight in Kigali
Morning breakfast and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park Scenic journey through Rwanda’s tea-growing landscapes 3 full days of guided birding and forest exploration: Birding along forest trails (over 300 species possible) Key species: Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Kungwe Apalis Primate tracking: Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees Optional canopy-style forest exploration (depending on program) 3 nights lodge stay inside/near the forest
Morning breakfast and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park Scenic journey through Rwanda’s tea-growing landscapes 3 full days of guided birding and forest exploration: Birding along forest trails (over 300 species possible) Key species: Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Kungwe Apalis Primate tracking: Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees Optional canopy-style forest exploration (depending on program) 3 nights lodge stay inside/near the forest
Morning breakfast and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park Scenic journey through Rwanda’s tea-growing landscapes 3 full days of guided birding and forest exploration: Birding along forest trails (over 300 species possible) Key species: Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Kungwe Apalis Primate tracking: Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees Optional canopy-style forest exploration (depending on program) 3 nights lodge stay inside/near the forest
Drive to Lake Kivu Relaxed lakeside birding and scenic exploration Activities include: Birdwatching: African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher Boat rides and shoreline exploration Relaxation along the lake’s scenic coastline 2 nights lakeside lodge stay
Drive to Lake Kivu Relaxed lakeside birding and scenic exploration Activities include: Birdwatching: African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher Boat rides and shoreline exploration Relaxation along the lake’s scenic coastline 2 nights lakeside lodge stay
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Two days of mixed wildlife and birding activities: Gorilla trekking (permit required) Birding: Rwenzori Batis, Black-billed Turaco, Handsome Francolin Optional visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Scenic views of volcanic mountains 2 nights lodge stay near the park
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Two days of mixed wildlife and birding activities: Gorilla trekking (permit required) Birding: Rwenzori Batis, Black-billed Turaco, Handsome Francolin Optional visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Scenic views of volcanic mountains 2 nights lodge stay near the park
Drive to Rugezi Marsh Full swamp ecosystem birding experience: Papyrus Gonolek Lesser Jacana Blue-headed Coucal Guided walks along wetland trails Excellent opportunity for rare papyrus species photography 2 nights lodge stay nearby
Drive to Rugezi Marsh Full swamp ecosystem birding experience: Papyrus Gonolek Lesser Jacana Blue-headed Coucal Guided walks along wetland trails Excellent opportunity for rare papyrus species photography 2 nights lodge stay nearby
Transfer to Akagera National Park Combination of birding and safari game drives: Birding highlights: Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet Game drives: elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, antelope Wetland and savannah ecosystem exploration Final full-day safari excursion 2 nights lodge stay inside/near the park
Transfer to Akagera National Park Combination of birding and safari game drives: Birding highlights: Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet Game drives: elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, antelope Wetland and savannah ecosystem exploration Final full-day safari excursion 2 nights lodge stay inside/near the park Morning final birding/game drive Drive back to Kigali Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure
Locations & map
- Kigali - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Nyungwe Forest National Park - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Lake Kivu - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Rugezi Swamp - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Akagera National Park - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- to Kigali & - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round, with the most suitable dates for the route and target birds confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- Park entry fees for all national parks and reserves visited - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation for 11 nights (lodges in Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, Rugezi Marsh, and Akagera National Park) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner where indicated) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Game drives and birding excursions - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver/guide - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Travel insurance - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, etc.) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Items of a personal nature - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Transport & stays
- Private safari vehicle and route-specific walking, Transport and field activities follow the confirmed itinerary. Vehicle type and any boat transfers are reconfirmed for the selected dates. | Meet: Airport or an agreed accommodation in Kigali | Pickup: Airport or accommodation pickup is arranged where included in the final proposal.
Accommodations
- Route accommodation (days 1-12) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How are dates and price confirmed?
Send the preferred dates, group size and accommodation expectations through BirdWatch.info for a current proposal.
Can the birding program be customized?
The final route and target priorities can be adjusted to guest interests, season, access and local conditions.