Rwanda, a great Bird Watching Paradise | Birding Safari Rwanda

Although in the past this was not a common tourist activity, birding in Rwanda is now becoming a much loved activity among the tourists that visit this country. it is rather a bit challenging to comprehend that such a small country can be a great place to see a variety of birds, however the good news is that there are over 1420 types of birds found in Rwanda among which are twenty seven Albertine Rift Valley endemics.

Among the notable species to look for during your Rwanda birding safari is the Red faced barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, Bannett’s Woodpecker, Miombo Wren-Warbler as well as the Shoebill Stork.

Rwanda’s three National Parks of Rwanda offer habitat to the largest number of birds living in this country and this is mainly because they are well protected wildlife sites. also worth noting is that Rwanda’s location within the Albertine Rift gives it the perfect terrain for birding specialists as well as novice  bird watchers. Fortunately even holidaymakers that visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking safaris or game viewing will also get the opportunity to encounter a number of species as they explore the different trails within the parks.

Nyungwe National Park on the other hand is the most notable bird watching destination in Rwanda with an unbroken block of montane forest that offers habitat to 310 different bird species. Although this large virgin forest is characterized by tall trees and thick vegetation, a guided walk through this forest is a guarantee of seeing Rwanda’s rich birdlife. Some of the species you will see with Nyungwe National Park include: Paradise Fly catcher, Rwenzori Turaco, White Headed Wood-Hoopoe, Red-Collared Mountain Babbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Stuhlman’s Double-collared sunbird as well as Kungwe Apalis, among others.

Akagera National Park On the other hand presents varied habitats that include marshland and lakes presents an ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience with different water bird species including: the Shoebill, African finfoot, Cormorants as well as the African Fish Eagle. Its savannah spreads out over a wide area making it a great habitat for species like the Red-Faced Barbet – one of East Africa’s most rare bird species.

Volcanoes National Park which has a bird list of over 175 bird species is another amazing place to see birds with different habitats such as open grasslands, swamps, bamboo and heath. Some of the species you will see include: Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco as well as Archer’s Ground Robin

Today you can enjoy a rewarding Rwanda birding safari in any id its national parks, and certainly you will be impressed by the great diversity you will see.