12 Days Birding and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda

Tour Overview

This 12-day birding and wildlife safari in Rwanda takes you through the country’s best birding hotspots and iconic national parks. Despite its small size (26,338 km²), Rwanda boasts nearly 750 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Explore diverse habitats — from wetlands and savannah plains to montane rainforests — and enjoy both birding and wildlife experiences such as Big Five game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and scenic boat cruises.

You’ll be guided by an experienced birding specialist, with support from local site guides at each location for optimal spotting opportunities.

Safari Highlights

Explore Rwanda’s 4 major Important Birding Areas (IBAs): Akagera, Rugezi Marsh, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe Forest National Parks.

Spot over 300 bird species including Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, Rwenzori Turaco, and Handsome Francolin.

Experience Big Five game drives and a boat cruise in Akagera National Park.

Track chimpanzees, gorillas, and golden monkeys in Rwanda’s misty rainforests.

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and a canopy walk in Nyungwe.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short city tour to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or Nyandungu Eco Park.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel des Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Boat Cruise

After breakfast, drive to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5 hrs). Enjoy scenic views en route before checking into your lodge. In the evening, take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds such as African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, and African Darter.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 3: Full Day Birding & Game Drive in Akagera

Spend the day exploring Akagera’s diverse ecosystems — from open savannahs to acacia woodlands. Expect sightings of Red-faced Barbet, Long-tailed Cisticola, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and Raptors. The game drive also offers chances to see elephants, lions, and giraffes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 4: Another Full Day Birding & Safari in Akagera

Continue birding in the southern and northern circuits of the park. Look out for Papyrus Gonolek, Shoebill Stork, and other water-associated species along Lake Mihindi.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 5: Morning Birding in Akagera & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After early morning birding, depart for Volcanoes National Park (approx. 5–6 hrs). Enjoy scenic countryside views with stops for photography and bird spotting.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 6: Birding in Rugezi Marsh (IBA)

Today, explore Rugezi Marsh, an Important Bird Area known for its wetland birds like Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, and Carruthers’s Cisticola. Return to your lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 7: Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Spend the day birding in Volcanoes National Park. Look out for Rwenzori Batis, Archer’s Robin-chat, and the Dusky Crimsonwing. The park’s montane forest offers spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 8: Optional Golden Monkey Trek & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

Enjoy an optional Golden Monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, stopping en route at Lake Kivu for relaxation and birding along the shores.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House

Day 9: Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today, explore Nyungwe’s trails including the Gisakura and Kamiranzovu areas. Expect Albertine Rift endemics such as Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, and Grauer’s Warbler.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House

Day 10: More Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Another full day in the forest focusing on canopy and mid-altitude species like Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-bellied Robin-chat, and Strange Weaver.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House

Day 11: Chimpanzee Trekking & Birding in Nyungwe

Join an early morning chimpanzee trek in Cyamudongo Forest, where you’ll also encounter birds like Black-faced Rufous Warbler. Afternoon birding and relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House

Day 12: Canopy Walk & Transfer to Kigali

End your safari with a thrilling Canopy Walk in Nyungwe — perfect for spotting forest birds like White-tailed Blue Flycatcher and Mountain Greenbul. After lunch, return to Kigali for your evening or onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

Airport transfers
Accommodation as per itinerary (Mid-range or Luxury options available)
Meals as indicated (B, L, D)
Professional birding and wildlife guide
Local site guides at birding hotspots
Park entry fees and birding permits
Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking permits (if included)
Golden Monkey tracking (optional)
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and bottled water
Canopy walk fees

Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda tourist visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional Golden Monkey permit (if not pre-booked)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

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12 Days Birding and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda