10 Days Rwanda Bird Watching and Primate Safari
This 10-day Rwanda bird watching safari is designed for travellers who want to explore the country’s most rewarding birding habitats while also adding key primate experiences. The itinerary combines savannah birding in Akagera National Park, montane forest birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and high-altitude birding around Volcanoes National Park, giving you a varied Rwanda birding route with strong species diversity and scenic contrast. The safari also includes chimp tracking in Nyungwe and gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, making it a good option for travellers who want a broader Rwanda nature itinerary rather than a birding-only trip. For birders looking for a structured Rwanda birding holiday with additional primate highlights, this route would be valuable to you.
Safari Highlights
- 10-day Rwanda bird watching safari across major birding habitats
- Savannah and papyrus birding in Akagera National Park
- Forest birding and chimp tracking in Nyungwe
- Gorilla trekking and Albertine Rift birding in Volcanoes National Park
- Birding around the Twin Lakes and Lake Kivu
- Strong mix of birds, primates, forests, wetlands, and scenic landscapes
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Arrival in Kigali, introductory birding transfer
You will be met by the company representative for a short briefing before transferring to your hotel. Your birding experience begins right away during the transfer, with chances to spot common birdlife around Kigali and along the route to your lodge.
Day 2, Transfer to Akagera National Park, afternoon birding
Drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s main savannah birding destination, known for open grassland, acacia habitats, and papyrus swamps. In eastern Rwanda, this landscape supports a wide range of bird species, including Bennett’s Woodpecker, Black-headed Chat, Tabora Cisticola, Miombo Wren-Warbler, and the rare Ring-necked Francolin. The Red-faced Barbet can also be seen around the Akagera Game Lodge grounds. Later in the afternoon, go birding before retiring to your lodge. Overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge [mid-range] or Ruzizi Tented Camp [luxury].
Day 3, Full day birding in Akagera National Park, continue to Nyungwe
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of bird watching in Akagera National Park with a picnic lunch. In addition to the savannah species already noted, look out for the Bare-faced Go-away Bird, Brown Parrot, White-winged Black Tit, Sooty Chat, Shoebill, Swamp Flycatcher, White-winged Warbler, and Papyrus Gonolek. Later in the day, continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House.
Day 4, Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe is one of Rwanda’s best forest birding destinations and is also home to about 13 resident primate species. This ancient tropical evergreen forest supports a wide variety of birds, including the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Black Boubou, Ruwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Stripe-breasted Tit, Strange Weaver, and the sought-after Red-collared Mountain Babbler. You will carry packed lunch and return to the lodge later for dinner and an overnight stay at Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge or One&Only Nyungwe House.
Day 5, Chimp tracking and forest birding in Nyungwe
Have breakfast very early in the morning, then report for briefing before chimp tracking in Nyungwe. After the briefing, you will be assigned a ranger guide for the search. Along the trek, watch for other primates such as L’Hoest’s monkey and Angola colobus. In the afternoon, go for a forest nature walk focused on more birding before returning to your lodge. Overnight stay at your previous lodge.
Day 6, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive through the market town of Ruhengeri, now commonly known as Musanze, which lies at the foothills of the Virunga range. Continue to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and more than 180 bird species. The park’s habitats include steep volcanic slopes, bamboo, Hagenia woodland, marsh, grassland, and moorland. Key birds include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Overnight stay at Five Volcanoes Hotel or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 7, Gorilla trekking and birding in Volcanoes National Park
This morning, after an early breakfast, go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Later in the day, continue with birding in the cultivated foothills and forested areas of the Virunga landscape, where you may also hear golden monkeys and look out for forest wildlife signs. Return to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Day 8, Bird watching in and around Volcanoes National Park
Today you will go for a nature walk in and around Volcanoes National Park in search of more birds. Later, return to your lodge to relax. Overnight stay at your previous lodge.
Day 9, Bird watching at the Twin Lakes, transfer to Lake Kivu
Today, go for a nature walk around the Twin Lakes in search of birds and local community encounters. Later, transfer to Lake Kivu for evening bird watching along the lakeshore. Overnight stay at Malahide Paradise or Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 10, Lake Kivu birding, return to Kigali
Today, you will end the 10-day Rwanda bird watching safari with a nature walk along the shores of Lake Kivu in search of more birdlife. Later, transfer back to Kigali. End of your tour.
Inclusions and exclusions
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transport in a safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimp tracking permit
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda visa, where applicable
- Personal travel insurance
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
- Optional activities not listed as included