5-Day Rwanda Birdwatching Safari with Akagera and Kigali

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Immerse yourself in Rwanda's history and culture with a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
• 02 Spot feathered wonders at Nyandungu Ecopark and Nyarutarama artificial lake
• 03 Explore Akagera National Park's acacia and papyrus landscapes on rewarding birdwatching game drives
• 04 Look out for species such as the Red-faced Barbet, Bennetts Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek, and a variety of warblers
• 05 Visit Bugesera Valley for more avian discoveries alongside the memorial sites of Ntarama and Nyamata

Discover the avian wonders of Rwanda on a 5-day birdwatching safari through Kigali, Nyandungu Ecopark, Akagera National Park, and Bugesera. Set in the heart of the Albertine Rift, this journey reveals a remarkable tapestry of over 700 bird species alongside Rwanda's dense forests, captivating mountains, and rich wetlands. Along the way, combine rewarding birding with cultural insight through Kigali's historic sites and memorials, and enjoy game drives in Akagera's acacia and papyrus landscapes.

Set in the heart of the Albertine Rift, this journey reveals a remarkable tapestry of over 700 bird species alongside Rwanda's dense forests, captivating mountains, and rich wetlands.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kigali, Akagera National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and City Discovery

• Upon touching down at Kigali International Airport, be welcomed by your knowledgeable guide, who will seamlessly transfer you to your chosen haven - Serena Hotel for luxury seekers, Chez Lando for those seeking a comfortable midrange experience, or Fika Café for budget-friendly explorers.
• Dive into the history and culture of Rwanda with a city tour, and pay homage to the past at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. Overnight at your chosen accommodation, with a delightful dinner awaiting you.

2

Day 02

Birdwatching at Nyandungu Ecopark and Nyarutarama

• Awaken the early bird in you for an exciting morning of birdwatching at Nyandungu Ecopark.
• Follow this with a city tour, then set your sights on more feathered wonders at Nyarutarama artificial lake in the afternoon. Choose to stay at Serena Hotel, Chez Lando, or Fika Café for a peaceful night's rest, including sumptuous meals.

3

Day 03

Into Akagera National Park's Birding Wilderness

• Embark on a thrilling journey to the eastern part of Rwanda, where Akagera National Park awaits with a mosaic of acacia and papyrus landscapes.
• A game drive presents the opportunity to encounter the Red-faced Barbet, Bennetts Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek, and an array of warblers. Retire to Ruzizi Tented Lodge for high-end luxury or Akagera Game Lodge for midrange comfort, and enjoy an evening filled with delightful cuisine.

4

Day 04

Morning Safari in Akagera and Return to Kigali

• Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast and another exhilarating game drive in Akagera National Park. Witness leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.
• After a day filled with nature's spectacle, head back to Kigali, where Serena Hotel, Chez Lando, or Fika Café awaits you for a night of relaxation and delectable dining.

5

Day 05

Bugesera Birding and Departure

• Embark on a final day of adventure as you delve into the avian wonders of Bugesera Valley.
• Visit the poignant genocide memorial sites of Ntarama and Nyamata, paying homage to the resilience of the Rwandan spirit.
• Return to Kigali in the afternoon for a city tour to cap off your journey. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a farewell lunch before your departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Seamless transport, including airport pick-up and drop-off
• All entry fees
• Activity fees
• Full-board accommodation
• Driver allowance
• 1.5 liters of drinking water daily
• Guiding fees

What's Not Included

• Travel documents
• Health requirements
• Any additional elements not specified above

What to bring

• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Comfortable clothing
• Insect repellent
• Field guide
• Sun protection
• Snacks

Know before you go

• Note: For those seeking more avian delights, this tour can be extended to Nyungwe National Park, a haven for 310 bird species, including the rare blue Turaco; Volcanoes National Park, known for 178 bird species, including Ruwenzori Turaco; Rugezi Swamp; Mukungwa River marshland; and many other important birding areas.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kigali City, Rwanda

Tour start

Kigali, Rwanda

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.