7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari: Best Guided Birding Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, exploring the country’s premier birding hotspots. Begin in ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park, a montane rainforest haven with over 310 species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics like the stunning Rwenzori Turaco and Handsome Francolin.

Trek trails and the canopy walkway for close encounters. Move to savanna rich Akagera National Park for waterbirds around Lake Ihema, such as kingfishers, herons, and the elusive Shoebill stork.

End your 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari near Volcanoes National Park at Rugezi Swamp, spotting Grey Crowned Cranes and more amid scenic hills.

Brief Itinerary of the 7 Days Bird Watching Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Day 5: Full Day Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Birding Stops

Day 7: Morning Birding in Volcanoes National Park and Departure

Detailed Itinerary For 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be picked by our experienced safari guide and transferred to your reserved hotel in Kigali. If time allows, enjoy introductory birding in nearby wetlands or hotel gardens for common species like weavers and sunbirds. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation in Kigali:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Budget: Urban Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Your second day of 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari starts with a hot breakfast and after, you will be transfered east, to Akagera National Park, the only savannah park of Rwanda, with over 480 bird species. En-route stops for roadside birding. Upon arrival, check in and head for an afternoon game drive spotting savannah raptors and grassland species.

Safari Lodges in Akagera National Park: 

Luxury: Magashi Camp

Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Budget: Akagera Game Lodge

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

This day starts with an early morning game drive in the park’s diverse habitats, targeting raptors like African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, and Martial Eagle, plus savannah specials such as Grey Crowned Crane and Long-crested Eagle.

After, return for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema for waterbirds including Pink-backed Pelican, African Skimmer, Shoebill (with luck), Papyrus Gonolek, and various herons and kingfishers. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, transfer southwest to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s top montane forests with 322+ species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Bird en-route and arrive for an introductory forest walk spotting Great Blue Turaco and sunbirds. Check in and relax.

Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park: 

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Day 5: Full Day Birding in Nyungwe Forest

This is a dedicated birding day featuring expert guides on forest trails and the famous canopy walkway. It targets  Albertine Rift endemics like Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, and many more. Also look for Great Blue Turaco, Doherty’s Bushshrike, and mixed flocks. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Birding Stops

Early morning birding in Nyungwe for any missed species, then transfer north to Volcanoes National Park. En-route stops at wetlands or Lake Kivu shores for additional species. Arrive and check in, with optional afternoon birding around the park edges.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park: 

Luxury: Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Budget: Kinigi Guest House

Day 7: Morning Birding in Volcanoes National Park and Departure

Your last day of the 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari starts with an early morning birding along trails or bamboo zones targeting high-altitude specials and remaining Albertine Rift endemics like Rwenzori Batis, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Scarlet-tufted Sunbird. Transfer back to Kigali Airport for your departure flight, with possible final birding stops en-route.

Head to the Airport or back to your lodge to end the 7 daysRwanda Birding Safari.

BOOK THIS TOUR

Birding Gear to Consider 

• A pair of Binoculars
• Waterproof backpack
• Reusable water bottles
• sun huts and glasses
• Hiking boots & gaiters
• Rain jacket & insect repellent

Tour Inclusions for the 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari

• Airport transfers & 4×4 transport
• Expert birding guide
• Park fees & boat safari
• Full-board accommodation
• Daily bottled water

Tour Exclusions for the 7 Days Rwanda Birding Safari

• International flights & visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips & alcoholic drinks
• Personal expenses

Birding Photography Tips

• Use a telephoto lens, 300-600mm, for distant or skittish forest birds and Shoebills
• Fast shutter speed, 1/1000s or higher, to freeze movement in low-light forests
• Higher ISO, 800-3200, in dim Nyungwe understory; use noise reduction in post-processing
• Stabilize with a monopod or bean bag as tripods can be cumbersome on trails
• Shoot in RAW for better editing of challenging lighting
• Approach slowly and quietly. use your guide to locate birds without disturbing them
• Early morning light is best as it enhances colors on turacos and sunbirds
• For canopy birds, position for clean backgrounds. Avoid cluttered branches.
• Ethical photography: maintain distance, no playback unless permitted
• Backup photos daily and bring extra batteries/memory cards