Destination

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Duration
2 Days
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Tour Type
Birding
bird watching safari
Rwanda

2-day best of bird watching safari in Nyungwe national park

2-day best of bird watching safari in Nyungwe national park

Embark on a captivating 2-day bird watching safari in Nyungwe national park. Situated in the southwestern corner of Rwanda in Rusizi district, Nyungwe National Park, established in 2004, stands as one of Africa’s oldest and largest afro-montane forests. Encompassing over 1000 square kilometers, the park boasts bogs, swamps, grasslands, and bamboo forests, stretching from an elevation of 3000 meters above sea level to the borders with Burundi, Congo, and Lake Kivu.

Nyungwe is a haven for bird lovers, boasting over 300 bird species, including many endemic and rare species. Setting off early in the morning, armed with binoculars and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll traverse through lush rainforests and misty valleys in search of colorful and elusive birds. The park’s diverse habitats, from montane forests to bamboo thickets, provide a rich tapestry of birdlife to discover.

Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant Rwenzori Turaco, the rare Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and the majestic Great Blue Turaco. As you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Nyungwe, you’ll also have the chance to spot primates, butterflies, and other wildlife that call this biodiverse park home. As you step into this verdant paradise, the symphony of bird calls fills the air, creating a melodic backdrop to your safari adventure. The dense rainforest canopy provides the perfect habitat for a multitude of bird species, each more enchanting than the last.

At night, relax in comfortable accommodations and swap stories with fellow bird watchers, recounting the day’s exciting sightings. A 2-day bird watching safari in Nyungwe National Park promises an enriching and captivating adventure that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the avian world.

The symphony of bird calls echoing through the canopy, the vibrant plumage of the various species, and the sheer diversity of birdlife make Nyungwe a haven for both experienced bird watchers and novices alike. From the rare and elusive Albertine Rift endemics to the colorful sunbirds and turacos flitting among the trees, every moment spent in Nyungwe is a treasure trove of avian delights.

Approximately 218 to 219 kilometers from Kigali, the rainforest hugs the Rwandan border with Burundi, Lake Kivu, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a treasure trove of wonders, standing as the largest Afro-Montane Forest in both central and East Africa. Home to an impressive over 275 bird species, including the great blue turaco, the elusive Rwenzori turaco, and the striking grey-crowned crane. The melodious calls of the black-and-white-casqued hornbill resonate through the forest, harmonizing with the rhythmic notes of the olive-breasted Mountain greenbul and the Rwenzori batis.

Nyungwe’s canopy hides treasures like the purple-breasted Sunbird and the red-throated alethe, while the undergrowth reveals the skulking antics of the Albertine owlet. The vibrant plumage of the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird and the shimmering blue-headed Sunbird add flashes of color to the verdant surroundings, accompanied by the white-headed woodhoopoe’s distinctive calls. As the sun sets, the white-tailed blue flycatcher and the Grauer’s swamp warbler join the avian symphony, creating a captivating cacophony of Nyungwe’s diverse and enchanting birdlife.

Nyungwe Forest National Park enjoys a temperate climate at its high-altitude perch, with an annual average temperature ranging from approximately 7 to 24oC (45 to 75oF). This Afro-Montane Forest experiences distinct dry and wet seasons, with the wet season, especially from March to May, contributing to its remarkable biodiversity. Covering about 1,020 square kilometers, Nyungwe Forest stands as one of Central Africa’s most expansive protected mountain rainforests.

In closing, Nyungwe National Park is a destination that truly showcases the wonders of the avian world. Whether you’re a dedicated bird watcher or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, Nyungwe’s feathered inhabitants will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Plan your bird watching safari to Nyungwe today and immerse yourself in the magical world of Rwandan birdlife.

Details

Embark on a captivating 2-day birding safari in Nyungwe Forest Safari. Situated in the southwestern corner of Rwanda in Rusizi district, Nyungwe National Park, established in 2004, stands as one of Africa's oldest and largest afro-montane forests. Encompassing over 1000 square kilometers, the park boasts bogs, swamps, grasslands, and bamboo forests, stretching from an elevation of 3000 meters above sea level to the borders with Burundi, Congo, and Lake Kivu.

Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel or residence. Your safari guide will arrive to meet you and brief you regarding the tour before heading to Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival at the park, head for birding at the Uwinka Visitor Center, known for its diverse birdlife. By midday, you should enjoy a picnic lunch within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. Continue birding along the Igishigishigi trail, famous for its canopy walkway, providing a unique perspective for birdwatchers. In the afternoon you will explore the Kamiranzovu Swamp, home to various aquatic birds and the sought-after Grauer's swamp warbler. Check into your selected accommodation within or near the park for dinner and a restful evening.
Begin your day with a hearty morning breakfast before embarking on the Waterfall Trail. This trail offers opportunities to spot forest-dwelling birds, including the Albertine Rift endemics. At midday, you will pause for a packed lunch amidst the lush surroundings, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest. Continue birding along the trail, focusing on species such as the Rwenzori batis and white-headed wood hoopoe. Later in the afternoon, you will conclude your birding adventure with a visit to the Gisakura Tea Estate, known for attracting various bird species. You will depart from Nyungwe National Park, with the option to extend your stay or head back to your hotel in Kigali city.

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