14 Days Rwanda Albertine Rift Endemics Birding Safari
This 14-day African safari focuses on Rwanda’s key birding destinations within the Albertine Rift, offering unmatched opportunities to spot rare and endemic species. From the lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park and the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park to the open savannah of Akagera National Park this itinerary combines expert- guided birdwatching with cultural encounters and scenic tours perfect for avid birders, photographers and nature lovers this journey guarantees a well-rounded African vacation safari experience
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Birding in Akagera national park
Birding in Akagera National Park - Birdwatching in Nyungwe national park
- Birding on the slopes of Volcanoes national park
- Scenic birding tours along Lake Kivu and its island
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes
- Hike Dian Fossey tomb
- Cultural visits and nature walk in Rwanda’s rolling countryside
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Evening Birding Walk
Arrive at Kigali International Airport meet your birding guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time enjoy an evening birding walk around Kigali’s outskirts to spot species like the Black headed weaver and variable sunbird. Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Route Birding
Drive east to Akagera national park, birding along the way. Upon arrival, check into the lodge for lunch.
In the evening, enjoy an evening birding session to spot savannah species like the Lilac breasted Roller Black headed Gonolek and African Fish Eagle. overnight inside the park
Day 3: Full Day Birding and Game Viewing in Akagera
Spend the entire day birding in Akagera. Key species include Papyrus Gonolek Shoebill Stork Red faced Bardet and White winged swamp warbler. The day also offers sightings of elephants, lions and antelopes adding a wildlife dimension to your African safari
Day 4: Boat Birding on Lake Ihema & Transfer to Kigali
Take a boat cruise on lake Ihema spotting water birds like the African jacana pied kingfisher and African Fish Eagle. Afterward return to the lodge for lunch.
After, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey back to Kigali. On arrival, check into the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest & Route Birding Stops
Travel to Nyungwe National Park, making birding stops at wetlands and forest edges and route. look out for Ross’s Turaco, Great Blue Turaco and Dusky Turtle Dove. On arrival, check into the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Birding in Nyungwe and Uwinka Trails
Spend the day exploring the Uwinka trails one of Rwanda’s top birding areas. Target species include Red-collared Mountain Babbler, purple breasted sunbird Ruwenzori Batis and Albertine Boubou. After, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Birding Nyungwe & Kamiranzovu Swamp
After breakfast, visit kamiranzovu swamp, home to specialties like the Grauer’s swamp warbler mountain yellow warbler and Grey Apalis. The swamp also offers sightings of orchids and butterflies adding to the day’s diversity. After return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Birding Nyungwe and Canopy Walk and Trails
Take the famous Nyungwe canopy walk offering elevated views for spotting Blue headed sunbird, barred long tailed cuckoo and white bellied Robin chat and other wildlife species as well as primates. In the afternoon, head out for birding on nearby trails complements the experience. After, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Birding and Relaxation
Drive to Lake Kivu, stopping at birding hotspots along the way. In the afternoon relax or take a guided walk to spot water birds like African Darter Grey-capped Warbler and Malachite kingfisher. On arrival, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Birding Around Lake Kivu and Boat Trip
Take a boat trip on Lake Kivu birding along the shores and islands. Expect to see yellow bellied Waxbill pied kingfisher and African pied wagtail and other water animal species. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake.
Day 11: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Route Birding
Head to Volcanoes National Park with birding stops end route in the foothills of the Virunga. overnight near the park
Day 12: Gorilla trekking and birding in Volcanoes National Park & Mountain Endemics
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. After head into the forest and search for the gorilla family with the help of experienced guides. Once the gorilla family is located, spend an hour with these species. While trekking, you will as well spot bird species within the forest such as Ruwenzori Turaco, Archers Robin Chat Striped Breasted Tit and Dusky Crimsonwing among others. After return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 13: Hike to Dian Fossey and visit iby’iwacu cultural village
Take a morning hike to Dian Fossey grave which is located between mount Karisimbi and mount Bisoke. Along the way, you will as well spot birds within the forest. After return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the iby’iwacu cultural village where you will experience Rwanda’s traditions through music dance and drama with birding walks in nearby farmlands where you can spot species like the Speckled Mousebird and Bronze Mannikin. After, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 14: Return to Kigali & Departure
Drive back to Kigali, making stops for final birding and photography opportunities. Transfer to the airport for your flight home marking the end of your 14-day African Vacation safari
End of 14 Days Rwanda Albertine Rift Endemics Birding Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Airport transfer in Kigali
- 4×4 safari vehicle with an expert birding guide
- Accommodation and meals
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Dian Fossey hike permit
- Entry fees for all parks and birding areas
- Boat trips on Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu
- Bottled water during transfers and field activities
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Visa fees for Rwanda
- Tips and gratuities
- personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary