- Location: Entebbe Uganda
- +256785719296
- +256761835320
- info@noblegorillaadventures.com
16-Day Rwanda Birding & Primates Safari
This 16-Day Rwanda Birding & Primates Safari offers an incredible chance to see rare winged creatures and famous mountain primates. You will travel through thick forests, open savannas, and peaceful wetlands while searching for colorful avian species. Rwanda hosts many unique birds that people cannot find anywhere else in the world except this region. Our expert guides help you spot shy forest dwellers and majestic water birds throughout this scenic trip. Every single day brings a fresh discovery as you explore the natural beauty of this green nation. Get ready for a life-changing safari that combines deep nature with very warm African hospitality.
Tour Cost Includes
- Golden Monkey & Chimps Permits
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Transportation
- Activities
- Guides
Tour Cost Excludes
- Airfare
- Additional Meals
- Optional Activities
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Kigali and Birding at Umusambi Village
Your exciting journey begins at the Kigali International Airport where our friendly team meets your morning flight. You quickly travel to the Umusambi Village sanctuary to see the beautiful Grey-crowned Cranes in nature. This restored wetland area provides a safe home for these tall birds and many other local species. You might see the African Fish Eagle or the bright Malachite Kingfisher near the quiet water pools. Walking along the flat paths allows you to enjoy the fresh air and hear many bird songs.
Meal Plan: Half Board
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando
Day 02 : Bird Watching in the Nyabarongo Wetlands
The second day takes you to the vast Nyabarongo Wetlands for a full day of great birding. This important area supports many water birds like the Great White Pelican and the Yellow-billed Stork. You search for the Papyrus Gonolek which hides inside the thick reeds of the marshy river banks. Every turn in the trail reveals another interesting bird like the African Marsh Harrier flying very low. The peaceful atmosphere of the wetlands helps you relax while you photograph many colorful African bird species.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando
Day 03 : Journey to Akagera National Park
You leave the city early to travel toward the eastern border where Akagera National Park is located. This drive offers many views of local farms and rolling hills that make Rwanda look very green. You reach the park gates in time to see the landscape change from mountains to open plains. Keep your binoculars ready to spot the Long-crested Eagle sitting on the wooden poles along the road. The air feels warmer here because the park sits at a lower altitude than the high mountains.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Rutete Eco Lodge
Day 04 : Birdwatching Safari in Akagera National Park
On this day, you start a full day of birding inside the diverse habitats of the famous Akagera National Park. You look for the prehistoric Shoebill which often hides among the tall grass of the swampy areas. The park also hosts the Red-faced Barbet and the beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller with its many bright colors. You drive slowly through the savanna to find the Saddle-billed Stork standing near the shallow lake edges. This region is home to over five hundred bird species making it a perfect spot for photography.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Rutete Eco Lodge
Day 05 : Birdwatching in the Northern Region of Akagera National Park
The safari moves to the northern part of the park where the Kilala Plains offer wide views. You can see the Secretary Bird walking through the grass looking for small snakes or large insects. This open area also attracts many Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls which rest in the large trees during the day. You listen to the loud calls of the Grey Go-away-bird echoing across the dry acacia woodland trees. The different plants in the north attract unique birds that you did not see in the south.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp
Day 06 : Morning Birding in Akagera and Transfer to Kigali
You wake up early to catch the morning activity of birds before the sun becomes too hot. This is the best time to see the African Jacana walking on the floating lily pads nearby. After the morning session, you start the drive back to the capital city for a restful night. You can talk about the amazing raptors and water birds you saw during your stay in Akagera. The road back to Kigali shows you more of the beautiful countryside and local Rwandan village life.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Lando
Day 07 : Journey to Musanze and Birding in Buhanga Forest
You travel toward the northwest today to reach the high mountains and the sacred Buhanga Eco-Park forest. This small but dense forest grows on an ancient volcanic site where kings used to be crowned. You look for the African Paradise Flycatcher and the Black-billed Turaco among the giant old ficus trees. The forest floor is home to many small birds that enjoy the shade of the thick canopy. This area feels very different from the savanna because the air is much cooler and very damp.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House
Day 08 : Birdwatching in Rugezi Swamp (IBA)
The search for rare birds continues at the Rugezi Swamp which is a high-altitude wetland in Rwanda. You hope to see the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler which is a very rare bird found here today. The marsh is also a great place to find the Papyrus Canary and the White-winged Swamp Warbler. You walk carefully along the edges of the water to spot the African Rail hiding in reeds. This site is very important for conservation because it protects many species that are currently under threat.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House
Day 09 : Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park (IBA)
You enter the famous Volcanoes National Park to find birds that live on the slopes of volcanoes. The forest is home to the Rwenzori Turaco which has amazing red feathers on its large wings. You also look for the Handsome Francolin and the Archer’s Ground Robin in the thick bamboo zones. The mist often covers the trees which creates a magical feeling while you search for these birds. This park is world famous for its mountain gorillas but the bird life is equally very impressive.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House
Day 10 : Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
You spend the morning trekking to find the playful Golden Monkeys that live in the bamboo forest. These beautiful primates are very active and they jump quickly between the branches of the tall trees. After this fun encounter, you drive to Gisenyi to see the wide and blue Lake Kivu water. You can see the Pied Kingfisher hovering over the lake before it dives to catch small fish. The evening is perfect for relaxing on the sandy beach while watching the sun set over Congo.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: The Palm Beach Resort
Day 11 : Transfer to Gishwati–Mukura National Park
The journey moves to the newest national park in Rwanda which is called Gishwati-Mukura for the day. This forest is being restored to protect the many birds and chimpanzees that live inside its borders. You look for the Mountain Yellow Warbler and the Grey Cuckoo-shrike in the green leafy canopy. The park is a great success story for nature because the trees are growing back very fast. You will enjoy the quiet trails where very few tourists go compared to the other large parks.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Forest of Hope Guest House
Day 12 : Drive to Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walk
You drive south toward the ancient Nyungwe Forest which is one of the oldest forests in Africa. Upon arrival, you walk on a high suspension bridge that hangs sixty meters above the forest floor. This canopy walk lets you see birds like the Great Blue Turaco from a very high perspective. You feel like you are flying as you look down at the tops of the giant trees. The view from the bridge shows the vastness of the forest stretching out toward the distant mountains.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Day 13 : Birding in Nyungwe – Gisakura-Karamba-Kamiranzovu Marsh
You explore the specific areas of the forest that host the most interesting and rare bird species. The Kamiranzovu Marsh is the best place to find the Grauer’s Rush Warbler in the wet grass. You also search for the Albertine Sooty Boubou and the Regal Sunbird with its bright yellow chest. These birds are special because they only live in this specific mountain rift area of East Africa. The dense forest requires patience but the reward of seeing a rare bird is very great indeed.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Day 14 : Birding in Nyungwe on The Mt. Bigugu Trail
You hike up the Mt. Bigugu Trail to reach the highest point in the entire Nyungwe National Park. This trail is famous for the Red-collared Mountain Babbler which is a very hard bird to find. You also look for the Kungwe Apalis and the Stripe-breasted Tit among the high altitude flowering plants. The climb is a bit steep but the birds you see make every single step worth it. You can see across the entire forest from the top of the mountain on a clear day.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Day 15 : Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
On this day you enter the forest early to find the wild chimpanzees that live in the high trees. You listen for their loud pant-hoots which echo through the forest to tell you their exact location. Seeing these smart primates play and eat in their natural home is a very moving human experience. You might also see the L’Hoest’s Monkey or the Black-and-white Colobus Monkey during your forest walk. This day combines the thrill of primates with the beautiful background of the deep mountain rainforest.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Accommodation: Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Day 16 : Transfer to Kigali and End of the Trip
You enjoy a final breakfast in the mountains before starting the long drive back to Kigali. The road passes through many tea plantations that look like bright green carpets on the steep hills. You can stop at the National Museum in Huye to learn about the history of Rwanda. Finally, you reach the airport for your flight home with many photos of your birding safari. You leave with a deep love for the birds and the kind people of beautiful Rwanda.
Meal Plan: Half Board
Accommodation: None unless requested
