Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa, situated along the great Virunga volcanic region. On a visit to the angelic country, you will meet exclusive beauty. Over 750 bird species live in several regions and there are birds everywhere even in the city center! The several well-distributed trails will give you access and pass to sight out the unique bird species. Bird Watching in Rwanda is mostly done in the conservation areas of Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, or Nyungwe Forest National Park. Some of the species are endemic to specific to the county. Birds of Rwanda may not be endemic to are to the great Albertine rift valley. There are several bird habitat zones in Rwanda. These include the afro-montane forest, grasslands, rivers, and lakes.
The best places for bird watching in Rwanda include the Volcanoes National Park which protects the Virunga volcanic region. The park hosts 5 of the 8 series that make up the mountain region, the park is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Despite these in presence it is blessed with over 170 bird species recorded to date in the Virunga volcanic region the volcanoes national park is a good all year round place to see birds encountered species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, red faced warbler, strange weaver, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori batis to mention few.
Akagera National Park is the country’s only savannah park in existence. It is home to big game including the so-called big five of the wilderness, and the reintroduction of lions in the park has made it a primary destination for visitors. It is an important birding area containing an amalgamation of several eco-systems, include forest, savannah vegetation, and the many lakes that make up the park, it boasts 500 bird species and has been named one of the best birding spots in Rwanda. The different bird species that can be found in this area include red-faced barbet, Bennetts woodpecker, papyrus gonolex, African fish eagles, marabou stork, herons, pelicans, and many other species.
Nyungwe Forest is one of the great tropical forest points known to have survived the ice edge era. It is home to 13 primate species, notable for the chimpanzee. Despite its being famous for these, It is home to many birds. The well distributed trails are best to do birding in the conservation area. The park hosts 310 bird species 29 of which are endemic to the great Albertine rift valley region. Notable birds include the African hill babbler, Albertine owlet, blue-headed sunbird, great blue turaco, Kivu ground thrush, mountain masked Apalis, and handsome francolin among others.
There are some birds you might see in Kigali city Rwanda capital. This will introduce you to the local birds before heading out to the very important birding sites, example of birds include the grey crowned crane, white collared olive back, honey guide, purple breasted turaco, African fire finch. There are many birds in the country as a whole and can be seen anywhere, for a great experience with birds. It is proper to pack the following in your travel bag binoculars, warm clothes, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, hiking boots, and other items of personal nature.