3-Day Birding Tour in Rwanda with Peter Wairasho
A three-day Kigali and Nyungwe birding route with forest trails, primate possibilities, a canopy walk and an optional Lake Kivu stop on the return journey.
About this tour
Travel from Kigali into Nyungwe Forest National Park for two days centred on montane-forest birding and the park’s canopy walkway. Nyungwe holds more than 300 recorded bird species as well as chimpanzees and several other primates.
The route allows an optional first-day visit to Nyarutarama Lake when arrival time permits, a full day on Nyungwe’s forest trails, and a final canopy walk before returning to Kigali. A Lake Kivu birding stop may be possible on the return drive.
Airport transfers, ground transport, an English-speaking guide-driver, two nights of accommodation, itinerary meals, Nyungwe entry, the canopy walk, guided birding and bottled water are listed as included. Flight timing may require an additional Kigali night, which is excluded. A one- or two-day Akagera extension is optional rather than part of the three-day core route. Current dates and price are confirmed after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Rwanda.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali arrival and optional Nyarutarama Lake birding
Meet the guide at Kigali International Airport and transfer to the hotel for the night. When the flight arrives early enough, an optional visit to Nyarutarama Lake can look for Grey-crowned Crane, African Jacana and Little Egret.
Day 2
Nyungwe forest trails and primate possibilities
After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where more than 300 bird species have been recorded. Spend the day on forest trails looking for species such as Kungwe Apalis, Red-collared Babbler and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler. Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees are also possible. Overnight at a lodge within the park.
Day 3
Canopy walk, optional Lake Kivu stop and Kigali return
Walk the 160-metre Nyungwe suspension bridge for canopy views and possibilities including Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher. Return toward Kigali, with an optional Lake Kivu stop for Malachite and Pied kingfishers and African Fish Eagle. Flight timing may require another Kigali night. A separate one- or two-day Akagera extension can add habitats associated with Papyrus Gonolek, Red-faced Barbet and Shoebill.
Locations & map
- Kigali - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Kigali Day-01 in Kigali Upon your at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by… - Rwanda (Conditions vary by habitat and season; current access and weather are confirmed before travel.)
- Nyungwe Forest → Kigali (via Lake Kivu) Canopy Walk After breakfast, you’ll go for … - 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
- Airport transfers and all ground transportation - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Accommodation (2 nights) in Kigali and Nyungwe Forest National Park - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Meals as per itinerary (typically breakfast and dinner) - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Park entrance fees for Nyungwe Forest - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Canopy walk experience - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Guided birdwatching excursions - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
- Bottled drinking water during the safari - Subject to the confirmed proposal.
Not included
- International and domestic flights - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Visa fees and travel insurance - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Optional activities (e.g., Akagera National Park extension) - Not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Additional night in Kigali (if required by flight schedule) - 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 1-3) Confirmed for the selected dates
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is Akagera National Park included in the three days?
No. Akagera is described as an optional one- or two-day extension, not part of the core Kigali–Nyungwe–Kigali programme.
What happens if the departure flight is too early?
The recorded programme notes that flight timing may require an additional night in Kigali. That extra night is excluded from the three-day package and depends on the final flight schedule.
Which primates may be encountered in Nyungwe?
The programme names colobus monkeys and chimpanzees as possibilities. As with birds, encounters are not guaranteed.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.