Enjoy this 3-Day Nyungwe Forest Bird Watching Tour in Rwanda, which includes engaging in bird-watching experiences on the second and third days, along with an optional chimpanzee tracking experience.
You will spot various bird species, including Miombo Rock-Thrush, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and many others. The 3-Day Nyungwe Forest Bird Watching Tour begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, offering breathtaking scenic views.
See detailed Rwanda birding tour itinerary below.
3-Day Nyungwe Forest Bird Watching Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Canopy Walk
- Day 2: Whole day birding in Nyungwe forest
- Day 3: Optional chimpanzee tracking and transfer back to Kigali
Detailed 3-Day Rwanda Birding Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Canopy Walk
Head to Nyungwe National Park after pick-up from any agreed point in Kigali city. Nyungwe forest is one of Africa’s unique forests with 13 primate species and unique bird species.
You will experience a canopy walk on this day.
Day 2: Whole day birding in Nyungwe forest
Begin your day with an early breakfast and set off to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a full day of birding adventure.
The walk offers a thrilling experience where you will encounter various bird species such as Miombo Rock-Thrush, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Kivu ground thrush, white-tailed blue flycatcher, and many more.
Bird watching in this forest is best done in the early morning and late evening, mainly by listening for calls.
All you need is a pair of binoculars for magnifying distant objects, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, an East African birding book for reference, a bottle of drinking water, and sturdy hiking boots.
In the late evening, return to the lodge for your last night.
Day 3: Optional chimpanzee tracking and transfer back to Kigali
Embark on an optional chimpanzee tracking adventure, as Nyungwe National Park’s main attraction is its chimpanzees.
This experience begins right after breakfast, followed by a briefing that includes trekking rules and regulations.
Chimp tracking may last up to 5 hours, including an hour spent in the presence of these fascinating primates for taking memorable photos and recording videos.
During the trek, encounter other attractions such as small primates and birds like Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Northern Puffback, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, White-starred Robin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Streaky Seedeater, and many more.
After this unforgettable experience, return to the lodge for lunch and commence your journey back to Kigali, savoring the beautiful scenery of different hills along the way.
You will be dropped off at the airport, marking the end of your birding tour in Nyungwe National Park.
Other recommended birding tours:
- 18-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda and Uganda
- 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
