Bird watching safari in Rwanda

Whether you're an enthusiastic birder or simply enjoy discovering remarkable birdlife alongside endemic wildlife, Wilderness’ safari camps in Akagera and Volcanoes national parks offer the opportunity to experience a personalised introduction to the East African wilderness. With two luxury safari camps located in Akagera National Park’s private Magashi Concession, and three award-winning lodges in the Virungas where some of the world’s best gorilla trekking is offered, Wilderness offers access to some of Rwanda’s best birding areas while also offering a rich and rewarding safari experience. as dedicated to birds as you like.

Located on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga with exclusive-use access to 4,200 hectares of wild land, Wilderness’ Akagera safari camps offer birding in Africa’s largest protected wetland. Alongside traditional game drives, walking and boating safaris give you even more opportunities to get close to the birds of Akagera, including papyrus specials, numerous savannah species and sometimes even the rare and elusive shoebill. Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is best known for its gorilla trekking experiences and the endemic golden monkey, but it is also home to over 230 bird species. African pitta is occasionally seen around our lodges hile some of the other bird species to look out for in camp or on walks include black-headed heron, Klaas’s cuckoo and spotted flycatcher.

If you’re dreaming of a bird watching safari in Rwanda, Wilderness can help tailor an itinerary around your interests, whether you want to combine birding with exceptional game viewing or would like to tick some lifers off your list while encountering enigmatic primates. With five luxury safari lodges to choose from, optional access to a private vehicle and guide, and all the logistics from road transfers to city stays and helicopter connections taken care of, you only need to worry about what to pack.

For bird watching in Rwanda, pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. A good pair of binoculars is also essential, while a camera with a telephoto lens is ideal for bird photography. You also want to ensure you pack everything into a soft sided bag, ensuring that you adhere to any luggage weight restrictions for helicopter transfers between Kigali and our lodges.

When to go on a bird watching safari tour in Rwanda?

The wetter months between November and April are particularly appealing for birders, as migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive, bringing vibrant colours to the bush and the landscapes. That said, you can still enjoy an excellent birding safari year-round with a vast number of resident wetland savannah species found in Akagera, and the drier months ideal for trekking when conditions are less misty and muddy.

What is the best place in Rwanda to spot birds?

Wilderness Magashi and Magashi Peninsula are set in a private concession in the north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park. This section of Akagera is known for its prolific birdlife, including species like Carruthers’s cisticola and Ross’s turaco. With Lake Rwanyakazinga located right in front of camp, you can enjoy rewarding bird watching right from your deck.

On the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness boasts three lodges – community-owned Wilderness Sabyinyo and multiple award-winning Wilderness Bisate and Bisate Reserve. These lodges offer easy access to gorilla trekking, the main attraction, while the forested surrounds provide numerous opportunities for ticking avian lifers.

Wilderness has planted over 205,000 indigenous trees across our conservation areas in Rwanda, restoring essential habitat for the birds and animal species that reside here.