Birding in Kigali City

Birding in Kigali City and Beyond with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris

Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda and the country’s main point of entry via Kigali International Airport, is one of Africa’s greenest cities and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Visitors on longer birding tours in Rwanda should consider spending a day or two birding in Kigali. This allows you to get familiar with local species and possibly spot some birds that may not be seen elsewhere during your journey.

Even if you only have a few hours before flying out or between meetings, Kigali provides a great chance to observe a variety of bird species, including possible lifers.

Birding Habitats in Kigali City

Kigali has many birding areas that offer diverse habitats such as wetlands, lakes, swamps, grasslands, forests, woodlands, and gardens. Several wetlands that were previously developed for agriculture or settlement are now being restored and protected by the government, with plans to turn them into natural reserves. These initiatives are transforming Kigali into a future birding haven.

Birding in Kigali is made easier by the city’s cleanliness, safety, well-maintained paths, and easy access to various sites.

Key Birding Sites in Kigali City

Umusambi Village Nature Reserve

Umusambi Village, also known as Crane Village, is Kigali’s first wildlife reserve. Located on the city’s eastern outskirts, this reserve was created to rehabilitate rescued Grey Crowned Cranes. It sits on restored wetlands and includes grassland, swamp, forest, and shrub habitats, supporting over 100 bird species.

Birding is made comfortable through well-maintained walking paths that connect different habitats. Birders should look out for species such as the White-collared Oliveback, Trilling Cisticola, Purple-crested Turaco, Green-winged Pytilia, Lesser Honeyguide, and Olive Woodpecker.

Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park

Nyandungu Eco-Park, opened in 2022, covers 121.7 hectares of wetland and forest. Located just 30 minutes from the city center, it is home to over 100 bird species and features 10 kilometers of paved walking and cycling trails. Notable birds here include the Black Cuckoo-shrike.

Combining a visit to Nyandungu and Umusambi in a single day offers an excellent full-day birding experience in Kigali.

Nyarutarama Lake

Located near the Kigali Golf Course, Nyarutarama Lake is convenient for observing waterbirds. Walkways around the lake allow easy viewing of species such as Yellow-billed Duck, African Spoonbill, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hottentot Teal, and Spur-winged Geese.

The surrounding area also hosts raptors and forest birds like African Fish Eagle, Swamp Flycatcher, and Paradise Flycatcher. The nearby acacia forest adds diversity with birds like the Mountain Buzzard and various swifts and sunbirds.

Nyabarongo Swamp

Nyabarongo Wetlands are rich in waterbird species, including the African Openbill, Great Egret, Yellow-billed Stork, White-winged Warbler, Long-toed Lapwing, African Marsh Harrier, and African Jacana. The swamp’s edges offer excellent sightings.

Mount Kigali

Mount Kigali, the city’s tallest hill, has forested areas that provide habitat for species like the African Paradise Flycatcher, Red-chested Cuckoo, Tropical Boubou, and Yellow-fronted Canary.

Other Birding Destinations in Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is Africa’s largest and oldest montane rainforest, home to around 300 bird species. Notable birds include the Red-collared Babbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, Albertine Owlet, Rwenzori Turaco, and Handsome Francolin.

Visitors can explore the park via hiking trails or the Congo Nile Trail. The 160-meter-long canopy walkway offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the forest. A professional guide is essential for identifying species and navigating forest trails.

Nyungwe is also home to primates such as Golden Monkeys, Angola Colobus, and chimpanzees.

Akagera National Park

Located in eastern Rwanda near Tanzania, Akagera offers a mix of wetlands, lakes, hills, and savannah, attracting over 310 bird species. A boat ride on Lake Ihema is a great way to see waterbirds, while morning and evening game drives reveal savannah species.

Highlights include the Red-faced Barbet, Papyrus Gonolek, Ring-necked Francolin, and the Shoebill Stork. The dry season (May to September) is ideal for birding. Wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes adds to the safari experience.

Volcanoes National Park

Though famous for gorilla trekking and mountain climbing, Volcanoes National Park is also a top birding site, with about 200 species. Key birds include the Rwenzori Batis, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and Archer’s Ground Robin.

The park is part of the Virunga Mountains, shared with Uganda and Congo, increasing its species diversity.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Located in northwestern Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura is the country’s newest national park and a renowned birdwatching destination, with over 395 species. Look for Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and Strange Weaver.

Birding here also offers sightings of primates like chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and baboons.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is known for its scenic beauty, but it also attracts numerous waterbirds, including White-breasted Cormorants and Pied Kingfishers. Migratory birds can be seen seasonally. Nkora Island is especially good for birding, with opportunities to observe birds and interact with local fishing communities.

Best Time for Birding in Kigali

Birding is possible throughout the year, but the best time is from December to February. During this period, birds are in breeding plumage and migratory species from Europe and Asia can be observed.

What to Pack for Birding in Kigali

For a successful birding trip in Kigali, consider bringing:

Hiking boots
Binoculars
Bird field guide and checklist
Camera and extra batteries
Voice recorder
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Hat or cap
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Refillable water bottle and snacks

Accommodation in Kigali City for Birders

Kigali offers a range of accommodation options for birders, including:

Kigali Marriott Hotel
Serena Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton
Ubumwe Grande Hotel
Hôtel des Mille Collines
Step Town Hotel
Onomo Hotel
The Manor Hotel

Birding Rules and Guidelines in Kigali City

To protect birds and their habitats, follow these simple rules:

Do not disturb or chase birds.
Avoid using flash photography near nests or large groups of birds.
Keep a safe distance from nesting sites.
Never touch bird eggs unless you are a trained researcher.
Do not litter or damage vegetation in birding areas.
Seek permission before entering private property.
Follow any special rules of birding sites.
Travel in small groups to minimize disturbance.

For professionally guided birding tours in Kigali and across Rwanda, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers experienced guides, tailored itineraries, and sustainable birding experiences that respect both wildlife and local communities.