10-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda

Start the day birding at Nyabarongo Wetland, a key habitat for Papyrus Gonolek, African Swamphen, White-winged Swamp Warbler, and Malachite Kingfisher. After lunch, transfer east to Akagera National Park.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Magashi Camp
• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park)

Explore the southern sector and lakeside trails. Bird species include Bare-faced Go-away-bird, African Fish Eagle, Lilac-breasted Roller, and Black-headed Gonolek. Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema for African Jacana, Goliath Heron, Pied Kingfisher, and others.
Accommodation: Luxury: Magashi Camp

• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park)

Drive to the northern section for a full day of birding. Look for Temminck’s Courser, Rufous-naped Lark, Secretary Bird, Crested Barbet, and Bateleur. Mammal sightings include giraffes, elephants, and possibly lions.
Accommodation: Luxury: Magashi Camp

• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Dereva Hotel (outside park)

Morning birding in Akagera's southern sector before returning to Kigali. After lunch, transfer northwest to Volcanoes National Park, birding en route in highland grasslands and forest edge habitats. Evening at leisure in Musanze.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Spend the day birding in the forest edges and bamboo zones of Volcanoes NP. Target Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Strange Weaver, Archer’s Robin-Chat, and Ruwenzori Batis. Optional visit to Dian Fossey trail or local cultural walks.
Accommodation: Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Early departure to Rugezi Marsh, an IBA and high-altitude wetland. Look for Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, Yellow-crowned Canary, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Return to Musanze for overnight.
Accommodation: Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge
• Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Drive to Gishwati Forest, home to Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists. Expect Mountain Masked Apalis, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Grey-throated Barbet, and White-starred Robin. Light afternoon birding around the forest trails.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Forest of Hope Guesthouse (Gishwati)
• Midrange: The Peak Spot
• Budget: Gishwati Community Camp

Morning birding walk in Gishwati before transferring to Lake Kivu. Along the lake shores, watch for Pied Kingfisher, White-breasted Cormorant, Tropical Boubou, and weaver colonies. Optional boat ride or relaxation at the beach.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
• Midrange: Paradise Malahide
• Budget: Inzu Lodge

Enjoy relaxed morning birding or photography before driving back to Kigali. Stop en route for cultural souvenirs or final bird sightings. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight.