12 Days Birding Rwanda and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Explore Rwanda’s diverse birdlife and encounter majestic mountain gorillas on this 12-day safari with Kamere Tours. Discover the country’s Important Birding Areas (IBAs) in Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe National Park, alongside agricultural lands and swampy areas. Immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich habitats, from savannahs and forests to marshes and lakes, while seeking out over 700 bird species.

 Key Bird Species of Rwanda

Shoebill, Great Blue and Ruwenzori Turacos, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Chestnut Owlet, Olive Woodpeckers, Little Grebe, White-bellied Robin Chat, Mountain Masked Apalis, Northern Pintail, Handsome Francoline, White-headed Black Chat, Secretary Bird, Western Banded Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Black-bellied Bustard, Red-chested Flufftail, African Finfoot, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Caruther’s Cisticola, Collared Pratincole, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Wood Owl, Broad-billed Roller, Malachite Kingfisher.

Habitats for Birds in Rwanda

Forest, Acacia Savannah, Grassland, Agricultural Lands, Moist Woodland, Papyrus Swamps, Lakes, and Rivers.

• Optional Activity
• Chimpanzee Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• – Activities: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short Kigali city tour.
• – Drive Time: 20 minutes
• – Meals: Not included

Day 2: Birding in Akagera National Park

• – Activities: Depart for Akagera National Park after breakfast. Bird the marshy areas for species like Cattle Egret, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, and more. Arrive at the lodge in the evening.
• – Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• – Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3 – 4: Birding in Akagera National Park

• – Activities: Spend two full days birding in Akagera National Park. Morning sessions in Savannah and woodland areas for species such as Pearl-spotted Owlet, Brown Snake Eagle, and Red-faced Barbet. Afternoons include a boat trip on Lake Ihema for African Fish Eagles, Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, and various herons and kingfishers.
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Birding in Nyungwe Forest

• – Activities: Depart for Nyungwe Forest with birding stops en route. Search swampy marshes and Papyrus for White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Canary, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.
• – Drive Time: 7 hours
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6 – 7: Birding Nyungwe Forest

• – Activities: Explore Nyungwe Forest for Albertine Rift Endemics, including Handsome Francolin, Great Blue and Rwenzori Turacos, and various apalises, robins, and sunbirds.
• – Optional: Chimpanzee trekking, Colobus monkey trekking, and canopy walk.
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – 9: Birding en route to Lake Kivu

• – Activities: Travel northwards to Lake Kivu with birding stops along the way in marshes, forests, and agricultural areas. Enjoy birding along the shores upon arrival.
• – Drive Time: 3 hours
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• – Activities: Drive to Volcanoes National Park, stopping for birding opportunities. Overnight near the park.
• – Drive Time: 3 hours
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• – Activities: Begin the day with a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on a gorilla trek. Spend one hour with the gorillas. Afternoon birding near the lodge.
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Departure

• – Activities: Birding en route to Kigali. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
• – Drive Time: 7 hours
• – Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusion :

• – 4×4 Vehicle for all transfers
• – English-speaking birding guide
• – Full board accommodation
• – Water while in transit (1 liter per person per day)
• – Birding permits and entrance fees
• – Applicable taxes
• – AMREF Evacuation Insurance Cover

Not Included in Price

• – Airfare to and from Kigali
• – Visa fees
• – Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks with meals
• – Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, souvenirs
• – Tips for guides, drivers, and staff
• – Travel insurance (recommended)

Minimum Age

• – No specified minimum age for birding activities.

Physical Level

• – Moderate to challenging due to long drives and forest hikes.

Transfers and Accommodations

• – All transfers during the safari are included. Airport transfers are available at an extra cost upon request.
• – Accommodations are selected for comfort and safety, adhering to health protocols.

Explore Rwanda’s avian wonders and encounter its iconic wildlife on this unforgettable birding and gorilla safari with Kamere Tours.