This 18-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda and Uganda will provide you with 18 days to explore the best birding spots in Rwanda, such as Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
This 18-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda and Uganda will also take you to Uganda and into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is considered one of the best birding spots in Africa according to the birding communities.
18-Day Rwanda – Uganda Birding Safari Highlights
- Day 1 – Arrival in Rwanda for Your Birding Safari
- Day 2 – Travel to Akagera National Park, Birding and Boat Cruise
- Day 3 – Birding and Big Game Safari in Akagera National Park
- Day 4 – Birding and Overnight in the North of Akagera National Park
- Day 5 – Birding in or Outside Akagera and Departure to Kigali
- Day 6 – Travel to Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walk
- Day 7 – Birding in Nyungwe Forest
- Day 8 – Birding in Nyungwe National Park
- Day 9 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Nyungwe National Park
- Day 10 – Travel to Volcanoes National Park/Musanze
- Day 11 – Birding in Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
- Day 12 – Birding in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 13 – Optional Golden Monkey Trek and Travel to Bwindi National Park
- Day 14 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (Buhoma Sector)
- Day 15 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Day 16 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (The Neck)
- Day 17 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (Ruhija & Mubwindi Swamp)
- Day 18 – Transfer to Kigali and Departure
Detailed 18-Day Rwanda – Uganda Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Rwanda for Your Birding Safari
You will arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our guide will welcome you.
Depending on your time of arrival, you can do some birding around Kigali or take a rewarding city tour.
Day 2 – Travel to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Birding Safari and Boat Cruise
After breakfast, we will depart by 7 am for Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda.
This park is unique as the only protected area in Rwanda with savanna grasslands.
It is also known for its rich birdlife, with approximately 535 recorded species.
We will start our safari in the southern sector of the park, which is characterized by acacia bushes and woodlands.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the national park, offering opportunities to spot water birds, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
After dinner, there is an optional night game drive to observe shy and nocturnal animals like hyenas, leopards, and nightjars.
Day 3 – Birding and Big Game Safari in Akagera National Park
We will have an early breakfast and then embark on a full day of birding and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park, focusing mainly on the southern sector.
This area includes diverse habitats like forests, lakes, swamps, and grasslands.
Day 4 – Birding and Overnight in the North of Akagera National Park
Today, we will explore the northern sector of Akagera National Park, known for its rich birding spots.
We may also cover some areas in the south to ensure we have the chance to see all the species.
The northern sector offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with plains like the Kilala plains where you can spot a variety of animals, including zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, and more. We will also spend the night in the northern sector of the park.
Day 5 – Birding in or Outside Akagera and Departure to Kigali
We will return to the Kilala plains for more birding, with the chance to see a variety of birds and animals.
The grasslands are home to lions and hyenas, making it possible to witness predator-prey interactions.
After a successful day of birding, we will head back to Kigali in the afternoon, birding along the way as we encounter wetlands and other prime birding spots.
Day 6 – Travel to Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walk
We will start the day with an early breakfast and depart Kigali at 7 am for Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwest of the country.
This area is rich in Albertine Rift endemic species. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to approximately 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
It also boasts over 13 primate species. The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park takes about 5 hours.
Upon arrival, we will have the opportunity to experience the unique canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, which offers stunning views and the chance to see primates and birds up close.
Day 7 – Birding in Nyungwe Forest
We will dedicate a full day to birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for its numerous Albertine Rift endemic species.
This park is the best place in Rwanda to observe these endemics. With its diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, and forests, Nyungwe offers fantastic birding opportunities.
We will bring packed lunches and spend the entire day on the birding trail, with the possibility of encountering various other wildlife species besides birds.
Day 8 – Birding in Nyungwe National Park
We will have a second day of birding in Nyungwe National Park to ensure we have the opportunity to spot all the species on our list.
Day 9 – Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest is home to many primates, and today we will have the chance to track chimpanzees.
With over 500 habituated chimpanzees in the area, we will embark on a morning trek to observe and spend time with these fascinating creatures.
Afterward, you can choose to do optional afternoon birding or simply enjoy some leisure time.
Day 10 – Travel to Volcanoes National Park/Musanze
We will depart for Volcanoes National Park after breakfast.
Located in the Musanze area, this park offers a scenic setting near Lake Kivu.
We will enjoy birding along the way.
Day 11 – Birding in Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
On this day, we shall head out for birding in Rugezi Swamp after breakfast.
This swamp is one of the important birding areas in Rwanda and Africa in general.
Being the only RAMSAR wetland in the country, it signifies its significance on this birding safari.
We shall have the opportunity to observe a variety of high-altitude birds and swamp species.
Day 12 – Birding in Volcanoes National Park
Today, we will embark on a trek through the Virunga Mountains as we explore the area for birdlife.
This region is also excellent for searching for the Albertine Rift endemics and numerous high-altitude species.
Volcanoes National Park boasts a bird count of approximately 200 species, including about 15 Albertine Rift endemics.
If you are fortunate, you may encounter gorillas and golden monkeys during today’s adventure.
Day 13 – Optional Golden Monkey Trek and Travel to Bwindi National Park
After breakfast, we will cross into Uganda and head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
There is an optional golden monkey tracking activity available today before our departure.
You will have an hour to observe these fascinating primates.
Day 14 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (Buhoma Sector)
We will start our day with breakfast and set out with packed lunches for a full day of birding.
Some of the species we hope to record include Black Sawwing, Black-billed and Black-necked starlings, various warblers, akalats, Rufous-chested Flufftail, Red-chested Owlet, Montane Masked Apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Black-and-White Shrike, flycatchers, and possibly Red-fronted Antpecker, Crested Guineafowl, Black Bee-eaters, Olive Pigeons, Fine-banded Woodpeckers, several species of tinkerbirds, strange Weavers, barbets, greenbuls, African Blue Flycatcher, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Luhder’s, Bocage’s, and many-colored Bush-shrikes, Mountain Greenbul, Variable Sunbird, and Grey-crowned Negrofinch. Other species to look for include Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Kivu Ground Thrush, Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, Handsome Francolin, and White-headed Wood-hoopoe.
Day 15 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
Today, there is the option of going gorilla trekking.
While in search of gorillas, you may also encounter many other bird species you might have missed.
In the afternoon, you can choose to do more birding after your gorilla tracking experience.
Day 16 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (The Neck)
We will leave the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Forest National Park and head to the Buhoma sector.
Our birding focus for the day will include the Black Bee-eater, the Red-throated Wryneck, Mountain Wagtail, and the Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, as well as White-starred Robin, Olive Thrush, Mountain Masked, Chestnut-throated, and Grey Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Sharpe’s Starling, the elusive Regal and Purple-breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Collared and Dusky Twinspot.
Day 17 – Birding in Bwindi Forest (Ruhija & Mubwindi Swamp)
Our birding activities for the day will focus on the broadbill, Black-billed Turaco, Olive, Elliot’s, and Fine-banded Woodpecker, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Chestnut-throated Collared, and Black Throated Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, African Green-Broadbill, Mountain, Shelley’s, and Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Greenbul, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Red-faced Woodland, and Mountain Yellow Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, and Regal Sunbird.
Day 18 – Transfer to Kigali and Departure
We will return to Kigali for our departure flight back home.
Other recommended birding tours:
- 16-Day Explore Rwanda Birding and Wildlife Adventure Tour
- 12-Day Rwanda Birding and Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventure
- 10-Day Albertine Rift Birding and Primates Tour in Rwanda
- 3-Day Bird Watching Tour in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
