5 days Rwanda birding safari
5 days birding in Kibale and Queen, In just 5 days, you will explore two of Rwanda’s top Birding Areas to discover the Albertine Rift endemics and forest-dwelling birds among others. You will get the chance to drive across beautiful countryside areas, rolling hills and verdant valleys while taking in jaw-dropping views. Experience a typical Rwandan cool weather, awe-inspiring culture and most interestingly the plethora of birds in the different areas.
Volcanoes National Park is a wonderful gorilla trekking destination in the Northern Province of Rwanda. However, that’s not all to this safari destination because it is also a wonderful birding Paradise with over 200 bird species that include Albertine Rift and Rwenzori range endemics.
Nyungwe Forest National Park in the Southern Province of Rwanda is one of the unmissable birding places in the country with about 320 species of birds to look out for. Here, over 23 Albertine Rift endemics are sheltered.
Brief Itinerary for 5 days Rwanda birding safari
The exceptional Birding tour of Kigali City and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Birding Walk through Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Drive to the phenomenal Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
Birding walk through Volcanoes National Park and community visit.
Drive back to Kigali City, departures.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: The exceptional Birding tour of Kigali City and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After your delicious breakfast at the Hotel in Kigali, spend 3-4 hours on a rewarding Birding tour in Kigali City, especially through the stunning Nyabarongo swamps for its exceptional species of feathered beauties. Here, you will have the opportunity to spot wetland and aquatic species of birds, as well as the stunning migrating flocks. The wetland is one of the top breeding areas and Birding destinations within Rwanda for its plethora of bird species. Afterwards, you will be transferred to one of the top restaurants in Kigali City for lunch and later prepare for a journey to the Southern Province of Rwanda.
Afterwards, take a drive to stunning Nyungwe Forest National Park, en route you will take in views of tea plantations, small forest areas, and open plains. Driving to this popular birding destination is long, ranging 5-6 hours’ and you will be at the Park in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Overnight stay at;
- Upmarket: One & Only Nyungwe House.
- Moderate: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.
- Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Birding Walk through Nyungwe Forest National Park
Begin this beautiful morning with a transfer to the Visitor Center for briefing and registration before getting into the forest to search for the forest and Albertine Rift endemic bird species. You will meet the Park guides and the Rangers at the Visitor Center in Gisakura and make sure that you have your birding guide, camera, binoculars and enough drinking water for the hectic yet rewarding day Look-out for the Rwenzori batis, Regal-Sunbird, Kivu-ground Thrush, Strange weavers, Congo-bay Owlet, Rwenzori-Nightjar.
Handsome spurfowl, Red-faced woodland warblers, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Rwenzori-Turaco, Archer’s robin chat, Rufous-breasted Sparrow hawks, Chinspot batis, Dusky crimsonwing, Red-collared mountain-Babbler, Albertine Owlet, Blue-headed sunbirds, Eastern mountain greenbuls, Rwenzori nightjar, African Paradise flycatcher, Black kites, Long-crested eagle, after this incredibly wonderful and rewarding experience, you will return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, followed by dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Overnight stay at;
- Upmarket: One & Only Nyungwe House.
- Moderate: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.
- Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Drive to the phenomenal Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda
Enjoy breakfast and take a scenic and rewarding seven hour drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park to Volcanoes National Park. Drive through the countryside with views of the forest birds and primates while making way to your next birding destination. On getting to Volcanoes national park you will be transferred to your lodge for a wonderful dinner, overnight and relaxation. Time permitting, you will visit the spectacular Twin Lakes of Lake Bulera and Ruhondo for a boat cruise as well as birding trip.
Overnight stay at:
- Upmarket: Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
- Moderate: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Basic: Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Birding walk through Volcanoes National Park and community visit
After an amazing breakfast at the Lodge, explore Volcanoes National Park for its diverse bird species by a guided forest walk. First converge at the Park Headquarters in Kinigi to meet the experienced Park Ranger guides for briefing, followed by the half-day birding experience. In this Park are 16 Albertine Rift endemics and 13 species that are endemic to the Rwenzori Mountain range. These include Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Baglafecht weavers, White-collared Oliveback, handsome francolin, Black cuckoo-shrike, Ruwenzori turaco, Bateleur, Rwenzori batis, Narina Trogon, strange weavers, paradise flycatcher, African Marsh harrier, Brown-backed honeybird, Kivu ground thrush, Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird, grey-throated tit, Archer’s robin-chat, t mention but a few. Later get back to the Lodge for lunch and afternoon siesta.
In the evening, a cultural experience awaits you at Gorilla Guardian Village here a number of activities are organized. This includes banana brewing, preparation of traditional dishes, drumming lessons, traditional dance performances, visit to the traditional healer, to mention but a few.
Overnight stay at:
- Upmarket: Virunga Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
- Moderate: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Basic: Muhabura Hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Drive back to Kigali City, departures
On the last day, depart from Volcanoes National Park after a wonderful breakfast. Be dropped off at the Airport or Hotel in Kigali. Safe travels!!!!!
Includes for 5 days Rwanda birding safari
- Park entry.
- Birding fees for Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks.
- Airport transfer (for the last day of the trip).
- Relevant Rwandan Government taxes and levies.
- Road transfers between different safari destinations by private safari vehicle.
- Bottled water.
- Accommodation-2 nights in Nyungwe and 2 nights in Volcanoes National Parks.
Excludes for5 days Rwanda birding safari
- Other activities not mentioned on the itinerary like gorilla treks, chimpanzee treks and others.
- Personal expenses like laundry, tips, shopping, cigarettes, telephone calls, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Rwandan visa.
- Travel and medical insurance.