Discover Kigali’s Birdlife: 4×4 Bird Watching Safari in Rwanda
Introduction
Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is a fantastic base for birdwatching enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich avian diversity of the region. With its lush landscapes and varied habitats, Rwanda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and a 4×4 safari offers the perfect way to access the best spots. At 4×4 Car Rental Rwanda, we provide reliable and versatile vehicles ideal for your bird watching adventure. This guide will take you through Kigali’s top birdwatching locations, travel tips, and how our 4×4 rentals can make your experience unforgettable.
Bird watching in Nyungwe forest is one of the most unforgettable activities you can do while on this 4 Days Bird Watching Safari. Nyungwe Forest is situated in south-west Rwanda between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. Nyungwe is divided north–south by a line of mountains that reach 2,600–2,900 m and which form part of the Congo–Nile watershed. As a result, Nyungwe is composed of two areas differing in pedology, vegetation, water-flow and biodiversity. Book Now.
We specialize in organizing bird watching safaris in Uganda & Rwanda for all types of travellers; groups tours, solo and family birders. Our birding safaris focus on unique and authentic experiences you may hardly get anywhere else. Our bespoke birding watching tours in Uganda are perfect for seniors, private groups and families, guided by a team of trained bird guides. Join us on our birding safaris that have been carefully crafted or request for a tailor-made trip of your own.
Our travel consultants are available to guide you through customizing your dream birding trip at no cost.
Overview.
Day 1: Arrival for Rwanda Birding and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Trip.
Day 2: Birdwatching Nyungwe Forest Reserve of Rwanda – Rwanda Birding.
Day 3: Whole Day Birding Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
Day 4: Birding From Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and some bird species.
Day 1: Arrival for Rwanda Birding and Mountain Gorilla Trekking Trip.
Arrival for Tour and transfer to Nyungwe Forest Reserve.
Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge | Gisakura Guest House (Full Board).
Day 2: Birdwatching Nyungwe Forest Reserve of Rwanda – Rwanda Birding.
Nyungwe forest is situated in south-west Rwanda between Lake Kivu and the international border with Burundi. Nyungwe is divided north–south by a line of mountains that reach 2,600–2,900 m and which form part of the Congo–Nile watershed. As a result, Nyungwe is composed of two areas differing in pedology, vegetation, water-flow and biodiversity.
This wonderful birding area lies west of Butare, with the Butare to Cyangugu road passing straight through the middle, providing excellent roadside birding. A total of 275 species have been recorded in Nyungwe, reflecting the wide habitat diversity and altitudinal range. These include, all the 25 species of the Albertine Rift mountains Endemic Bird Area that occur in Rwanda, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Rockefeller’s Sunbird (both globally threatened, restricted-range and biome-restricted). In addition, 11 of the 23 species of the Guinea–Congo Forests biome and 71 of the 74 species of this biome of Afrotropical Highlands that occur in Rwanda have been recorded at this site. Generally, Nyungwe is certainly the most important forest for the conservation of montane birds in the region.
We have an early morning breakfast then set out to Uwinka for the Albertine Rift endemic birds search. Among the many we look out for, include; Kivu Ground-Thrushm, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, Red-chested, SunbirdRegal Sunbird, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Mountain Masked Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Grauer’s Warbler, few Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red- throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Rwenzori Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Handsome Francolin, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Olive Woodpecker, Mountain Greenbul, Rwenzori Hill-babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Northern Puffback, White-starred Robin, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimson wing, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Variable Sunbird, Waller’s Starling, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, just to mention but a few.
Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge | Gisakura Guest House (Full Board).
Day 3: Whole Day Birding Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda.
We look for species probably missed the previous day, we hope to tick-off Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Sharpe’s Starling, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Dusky Tit, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Siffling Cisticola, Bronze Mannikin, Golden-breasted Bunting, Neumann’s Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Mountain Wagtail, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Equatorial Akalat, Black Cuckoo, Kungwe Apalis, White-bellied Robin-chat, and many more. We try our luck and listen out at night fall for the Rwenzori Nightjar (a nocturnal species), Albertine Owlet and Red-chested Owlet.
Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge | Gisakura Guest House (Full Board).
Day 4: Birding From Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park for Mountain Gorilla Trekking and some bird species.
Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Full Board).
