12 Days Birding Rwanda and Gorilla Trekking Safari

Today will be a full day of birding and game drives in Akagera National Park. The park offers a diverse array of birds and wildlife, with over 500 bird species recorded. You’ll explore savannah, woodlands, and the shores of Lake Ihema. In addition to birdwatching, you may encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

After breakfast, you’ll take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot aquatic birds and other wildlife. This is an excellent opportunity to see the elusive shoebill stork, herons, cormorants, and hippos in their natural habitat. After the boat trip, you’ll return to Kigali for an overnight stay.

In the morning, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approximately 5-6 hours). Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, home to a large number of Albertine Rift endemic species.

Spend the day birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most important birdwatching areas in Rwanda. Nyungwe is renowned for its high-altitude forest species and endemic birds. Expect to trek through the forest trails in search of rare species.

After an early breakfast, head out for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. This thrilling experience allows you to encounter Rwanda’s playful primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy the famous canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest and bird species in the canopy.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, located in the Albertine Rift Valley. Along the way, you’ll continue birding, stopping at scenic spots to observe various bird species that inhabit the area. Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, enjoy the calm waters and scenic beauty.

After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, passing through beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll stop for birding at various points, including Lake Kivu, where you might see species such as the white-breasted cormorant and grey-crowned crane.

Today is dedicated to gorilla trekking! After a briefing at the park headquarters, embark on a trek through the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour with these gentle giants before heading back to your lodge for some rest.

After the thrilling gorilla experience, spend the day birding in the bamboo forests and montane ecosystems of Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to species like the Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, and Archer’s robin-chat.

Continue birding in the park’s high-altitude areas, where you'll spot the Albertine Rift endemics. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village to learn about the local culture and the conservation efforts of former poachers.

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, stopping for any final birding opportunities along the way. You’ll have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kigali before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.