Rwanda offers arguably the best African Montane Birding anywhere. Combine that with a great road network, safety and security, a diversity of habitats and you have one of the best eco-tourism destinations in Africa. The compact nature of the country means that several birding sites can be visited in a relatively short trip, giving access to some of the most desirable species in Africa.
In total 710 bird species are known from Rwanda and surprises are always possible with several species added to the country list since 2010. Among the resident species are 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and several Lake Victoria Basin Endemics, which should be on any birder’s wish list.
Most birders focus their attention on Nyungwe National Park in the west of Rwanda, a home to 322 bird species (with 29 Albertine Rift Endemics) and a paradise to Primates among other the closest prite to human being, Chimpanzee.
Akagera National Park, is a savannah park with rolling hills, lakes, wetland and woodlands. The park is a home to 500 bird species and it offers a more traditional African Big 5 safari experience good birding can be found across the country and even close to Kigali, so no matter how long you are staying there is rewarding birding on offer.
Rwanda’s wetlands and marshes are also a home to attractive birds. The wetlands and lakes of Bugesera (to the south-east of Kigali) offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. Papyrus Gonolek and Papyrus Canary are easily seen in these wetlands while Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, a charismatic species in Rugezi Marsh (North of Rwanda).
Wetlands around Kigali are accessible and can easily be visited by birders with a spare hours while attending conferences or waiting the evening flight. Umusambi Village and Nyandungu Urban Wetland and Eco-tourism Park host a diversity of birds and offer good chances to observe the rare Grey-crowned Cranes and White-collared Oliveback in addition to Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, etc.
Short (max. 10 sentences) introduction to this country, including information on
geography, biogeography, habitats, typical bird communities, importance for
birdwatching
Rwanda offers arguably the best African Montane Birding anywhere. Combine that with a great road network, safety and security, a diversity of habitats and you have one of the best eco-tourism destinations in Africa. The compact nature of the country means that several birding sites can be visited in a relatively short trip, giving access to some of the most desirable species in Africa.
In total 710 bird species are known from Rwanda and surprises are always possible with several species added to the country list since 2010. Among the resident species are 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and several Lake Victoria Basin Endemics, which should be on any birder’s wish list.
Most birders focus their attention on Nyungwe National Park in the west of Rwanda, a home to 322 bird species (with 29 Albertine Rift Endemics) and a paradise to Primates among other the closest prite to human being, Chimpanzee.
Akagera National Park, is a savannah park with rolling hills, lakes, wetland and woodlands. The park is a home to 500 bird species and it offers a more traditional African Big 5 safari experience good birding can be found across the country and even close to Kigali, so no matter how long you are staying there is rewarding birding on offer.
Rwanda’s wetlands and marshes are also a home to attractive birds. The wetlands and lakes of Bugesera (to the south-east of Kigali) offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. Papyrus Gonolek and Papyrus Canary are easily seen in these wetlands while Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, a charismatic species in Rugezi Marsh (North of Rwanda).
Wetlands around Kigali are accessible and can easily be visited by birders with a spare hours while attending conferences or waiting the evening flight. Umusambi Village and Nyandungu Urban Wetland and Eco-tourism Park host a diversity of birds and offer good chances to observe the rare Grey-crowned Cranes and White-collared Oliveback in addition to Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, etc.
