Trip Overview
On this 7-day birding adventure, keep track of the numerous bird species found on the African continent, beginning with those found in Rwanda. You will identify the Republic of Rwanda's 703 bird species. There are surprises in all of the places you'll go, and there are roughly 23 endemic species to the Albertine Rift Valley among the resident species. You'll go to four different birding areas in the north, east, west, and south of the country. You'll visit the swamps, wetlands, and various national parks in search of birds and other wildlife. The journey brings you to Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake.
Detailed safari
Day 1: Arrival at Nyungwe National Park
Meet your driver guide at the agreed-upon meeting location in Kigali city or at the airport. Before hitting the road to the western side of Nyungwe National Park, you'll be educated on what to expect on the journey. This is a veritable paradise for birds, chimps, and more. Your lunch will be served on the way and the lodge will be ready by the time you arrive. Plants in bloom, rolling hills, and scattered homesteads along the path to the park. You'll arrive in the park, happy yet fatigued, for dinner and a relaxing siesta.
Day 2: Drive to the west- Nyungwe national Park
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, then drive west for around 5-6 hours, admiring the undulating hills, dotted homesteads, and more. You'll stop at the King's Palace to learn more about Rwandan culture and the people. As you continue on your magnificent trip to Nyungwe National Park, lunch will be served. Afternoon arrival at your hotel, followed by refreshments, dinner, and a relaxing snooze.
Day 3: Full Day birdwatching
Today, wake up in a good mood by watching the birds and identifying the different kinds by their names and distinguishing characteristics. You'll start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading to the birding trail with an expert birding guide for an endless birdwatching experience. About 322 bird species and 13 monkey species live in Nyungwe Tropical Montane rainforest. The Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauers swamp warbler, Breasted sunbirds, Kivu, and other birds to look out for in this haven. The first birding session will take place in the morning, and the second will take place in the evening, when the birds are nesting. After dinner, you'll call it a day at the resort, with a peaceful nap.
Day 4: Birding at Lake Kivu
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, followed by a transfer to Lake Kivu. Several birds will be flying and playing in the marshes and swamps on the lake. These woodlands, and marshes are located along Lake Kivu's shoreline and are home to a variety of aquatic bird species as well as indigenous species. You'll spend about 3-4 hours looking for birds before returning to the resort for supper and an overnight stay. Double-toothed Barbet, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, common chat, yellow-bellied waxbill, and others are among the famous birds here. Lunch will be served during the morning search break.
Day 5: Lake Kivu to Akagera national park
After a delectable breakfast at the lodge, you will check out and go on an incredible 4-6-hour trip to Akagera National Park, the country's only game park located in the countryside. Before arriving in the afternoon for some refreshment, you will have a lunch stopover and some excursions to the attractions along the road. There is the option of taking a boat excursion, which will allow you to see various aquatic birds in a short amount of time. Following that, you'll return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: birding at Akagera national Park
Meet in the jungle, wetlands, and other approved birding areas at the same time as the birds. Over 490 bird species can be found at Akagera National Park, including the African fin foot, northern brown-throated weaver, Grey-crowned cranes, Carruthers's, and others. The birding will take place over two sessions, with breakfast and lunch in between. After that, you'll return to the lodge late in the evening to rest, relax, and enjoy the campfire before retiring to bed.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and make your way to Kigali International Airport for your departure. If you arrive early, you will be welcomed into town with a city drive that includes stops at a rapidly rising neighborhood, local markets, and historical sights. The journey ends with a smile at the departure point.
End of safari
