Rwanda has recorded 703 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics — birds found nowhere else on Earth outside this narrow band of highland forest straddling Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and eastern DR Congo. For a small country, that endemic count makes Rwanda one of the most rewarding montane birding destinations in Africa.
Key facts
- 703 recorded species, including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics
- Nyungwe National Park alone holds 322 species
- Akagera National Park has recorded 490 species
- Volcanoes National Park holds around 200 species, including 17 Albertine Rift Endemics
- The Red-collared Babbler is found safely only in Nyungwe within Rwanda
Top birding sites
Nyungwe National Park — one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and Rwanda’s premier birding site, home to the Red-collared Babbler alongside the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin and numerous sunbird species. Akagera National Park — Rwanda’s savanna park, with lakes and wetlands supporting strong raptor and waterbird numbers and the range-restricted Red-faced Barbet. Volcanoes National Park — montane birding on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, including the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, found in Rwanda only here, often combined with gorilla or golden monkey trekking. Kigali wetlands and Lake Kivu — convenient, productive birding for travellers with limited time.
Star species
The Red-collared Babbler and Red-faced Barbet are Rwanda’s headline rarities, alongside the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco and a long list of Albertine Rift Endemics concentrated in Nyungwe and the Virunga slopes.
When to go
Birding is rewarding year-round, with the drier months (June-September and December-February) offering easier trail conditions in Nyungwe and the Virungas, and the wetter months bringing peak breeding activity and lusher forest.
Plan your Rwanda birding safari
Birding combines naturally with gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in a single Rwanda itinerary. Visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected], or see our wider Birding Safaris page for bookable itineraries.