Rwanda presents phenomenal birding opportunities but this is often overshadowed by Gorilla trekking. The country is great bird watching spot with over 600 species despite its small size. Just as explained in our Rwanda birding review, Birding in Rwanda is best done in Akagera national park and Nyungwe forest is the top spot for birding safaris in Rwanda – here, you will find 24 endemic species and over 275 varieties. Located in the Albertine rift with thick forests and mountains, Rwanda’s ecosystem is a true haven for eco-tourism. With over 687 bird species, Rwanda is definitely one of the places true birders must visit on planet earth. Rwanda has 7 Important Birding Areas which include Volcanoes national park, Akagera national park, Nyungwe forest, Rugezi Swamp, Akanyaru, Nyabarongo and Cyamudongo.
Akagera national parks wetlands attract many species including the shoebill stork which can easily be seen moving about. In addition, Akagera supports a mixture of acacia and papyrus species, including Red-faced Barbet, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek, White-headed, Black and familiar Chats, Carruther’s and Tabora Cisticolas, White-winged and Broad-tailed Warblers and Miombo Wren-Warblers. The other important birding areas (IBA’s) also have several birds which will make your Rwanda birding safari worthwhile.
