24-Day Birding Safari in Rwanda

Visit Nyabarongo, one of Rwanda’s most significant wetlands. Look for Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Swamp Warbler, African Swamphen, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Accommodation: Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Birding at lakes Rweru, Mirayi, and surrounding papyrus-lined shores. Spot African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Blue-headed Coucal, and Yellow-billed Stork.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Resort House Bugesera
• Midrange: East Land Motel
• Budget: Local Guesthouse

Drive to Akagera NP, stopping for open country and roadside birding. Check in and bird around the southern gate.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Magashi Camp
• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Explore Akagera’s north and south sectors. Target species include Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-faced Barbet, African Fish Eagle, White-crested Helmetshrike, and Temminck’s Courser. Boat cruise on Lake Ihema for waterbirds and raptors.
Accommodation: Luxury: Magashi Camp

• Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Light birding in Kigali wetlands or rest day. Optional visit to Umusambi Village to see rescued Grey Crowned Cranes.
Accommodation: Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Drive north to Rugezi Marsh, a key IBA. Target Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and Levaillant’s Cuckoo. Overnight in Musanze.
Accommodation:

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

Morning birding in Buhanga EcoPark for White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Chinspot Batis, and African Green Pigeon. Afternoon visit to Twin Lakes for wetland and forest edge birds.
Accommodation: Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

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

Explore Volcanoes National Park forest trails. Look for Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Ruwenzori Batis. Optional golden monkey or gorilla tracking.
Accommodation: Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Midrange: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: La Locanda Guesthouse

Drive to Gishwati, birding en route. Explore trails targeting Mountain Masked Apalis, Purple-breasted Sunbird, and Grey-throated Barbet.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Forest of Hope Lodge
• Midrange: The Peak Spot
• Budget: Gishwati Community Camp

Bird along the shoreline and reed beds. Spot Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-backed Weaver, African Pied Wagtail, and Black Crake. Optional sunset boat ride.
Accommodation:

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

Scenic drive south, birding roadside forests and wetlands. Arrive in Gisakura and explore forest edge trails.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Explore Nyungwe in depth. Key species include Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Neumann’s Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, and Handsome Francolin. Optional canopy walk or primate tracking.
Accommodation: Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Full-day birding in Gisovu, a bird-rich section of Nyungwe. Look for Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Kivu Ground Thrush.
Accommodation: Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Bird in Cyamudongo, a fragmented forest home to specialties like Albertine Boubou, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, and Buff-throated Apalis.
Accommodation: Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

• Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Scenic drive back to Kigali with birding stops along the way, especially around wetlands and cultivated zones.
Accommodation: Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

• Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Step Town Motel

Depending on your flight time, enjoy morning birding or a cultural tour. Transfer to the airport for departure.