Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Vacation – 11 Days Expedition

Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Vacation – 11 Days Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda

Rwanda Birding & Wildlife Vacation – 11 Days Expedition begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport. A warm welcome awaits you from our birding expedition leader, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Kigali. Enjoy a relaxing evening in elegant surroundings as you settle in and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight:

Luxury: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Mid-range: Onomo Hotel Kigali

Best-budget: Eagle View Lodge

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2-3: Birdwatching at Akagera National Park

After a gourmet breakfast, we depart for Akagera National Park, a stunning mix of savannah, woodland, and wetland habitats. Over these two days, you’ll embark on a birdwatching expedition, exploring the park’s diverse birdlife, including the Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, and the elusive Shoebill Stork. Enjoy exclusive game drives and boat safaris with opportunities to photograph big game such as elephants, lions, and hippos, all from the comfort of private vehicles and boats.

Overnight:

Luxury: Rusizi Tentend Camp

Mid-range: Rusizi Tented Camp

Best-budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Kigali City Birding & Culture Tour

Return to Kigali for a day of city birdwatching and cultural tour. Visit the Nyarutarama Lake, a hidden gem for birdwatching within the city, home to species like the African Swamphen and the White-winged Swamp Warbler. In the afternoon, delve into Kigali’s vibrant culture with a tour of the Genocide Memorial and local markets, offering you an intimate understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience.

Overnight:

Luxury: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Mid-range: Onomo Hotel Kigali

Best-budget: Eagle View Lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Road Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today, embark on a scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. En route, enjoy a picturesque drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, with opportunities for exclusive wildlife photography and birding. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge nestled within the heart of the forest, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature.

Overnight:

Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Mid-range: Chimpanzee Lodge

Best-budget: Chimpanzee Lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 6-7: Full Day Birding at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Spend two full days immersed in the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest. This ancient rainforest is home to numerous Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and Red-collared Babbler. In addition to birding, you may encounter primates like the L’Hoest’s Monkey and the Ruwenzori Colobus. Experience the Canopy Walk, providing a unique perspective of the forest’s avian and botanical wonders.

Overnight:

Luxury: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Mid-range: Chimpanzee Lodge

Best-budget: Chimpanzee Lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 8: Road Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Depart Nyungwe Forest and travel to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains and opportunities for private roadside birdwatching. Upon arrival, check into your booked lodge

Overnight:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Best-budget: La Palme Hotel

Meal plan: Full board

Day 9: Birding in Volcanoes National Park

Explore the unique montane ecosystems of Volcanoes National Park, a sanctuary for high-altitude bird species like the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Archer’s Ground Robin, and the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird. The lush bamboo forests and montane heathlands offer an extraordinary birding experience, enhanced by the comfort and exclusivity of your tour.

Overnight:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Best-budget: La Palme Hotel

Meal plan: Full board

Day 10: Optional Gorilla Tracking & Ellen DeGeneres Campus Tour

Today, you will embark on an optional gorilla tracking experience, offering an intimate encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert ranger guides. After the trek, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to relax or explore Ellen DeGeneres’ Dian Fossey Campus.

Overnight:

Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mid-range: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Best-budget: La Palme Hotel

Meal plan: Full board

Day 11: Return to Kigali for Departure

After a sumptuous breakfast, we travel back to Kigali. Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping or a visit to the local craft markets. Proceed to the Airport for your departure outbound flight, marking the end of our birding expedition in Rwanda.