The Top Birding Seasons In Rwanda: What You Should Know.

Birding Seasons In Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the most angelic countries of East Africa, it is popularly referred to as “The land of many hills” along which are going vegetation types, montane forest and wildlife, it is bordered by Uganda, Democratic republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania, the beautiful country is well known for Mountain gorillas living within the Volcanoes National park however there is so much to this other than just gorillas, Birds of Rwanda await to unfold the surprise of your visit, there are over 705 species of birds that have been recorded to date in the country and can be found in different conservation areas(Nyungwe Forest National park, Volcanoes national park, AKagera National Park, Kigali city, Gishwati and Mukura national park)

Rwanda is a one stop place for birding in Africa, the country’s top security, safety to travelers, and the various ecosystems from the hills to the savanna grasslands make it a comfortable to experience the birds, among the top list of birds of Rwanda there are endemics of the great Albertine rift valley region, There no endemics specified to Rwanda but a variety can be spotted including the endemics of the Albertine, example birds that can be spotted include Albertine Boubou, black faced Apalis, red faced woodland warbler, blue headed sunbird, Cogo bay owl, Regal birds, Ruwenzori batis, Ruwenzori double collared sunbird, Ruwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, Kivu ground thrush, kungwe Apalis, stripe breasted tit, yellow billed flycatcher, among other species present.

The best time to go birding in Rwanda is all year round. There are birds everywhere in the country, and it is evident right from when you check in at the Kigali International Airport. The best birding spots in Rwanda include the Nyungwe forest National park, there are over 322 species of birds that have been recorded in the conservation area most of these are forest birds that are easily seen through the well distributed trails and the long famous canopy, the Volcanoes national park is famous for Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, these coexist with lots of bird species some of which are endemics of the Great Albertine rift valley region, AKagera national park the only savannah park of the country it is the only places to spot the big five of the African wilderness(Lions, leopards, African buffaloes, African elephants and Rhinos) the park offers several opportunities to encounter birds all year round including raptors and water birds that can be sighted along the river Kagera and on Lake Ihema. Akanyaru wetlands are popular for their floating islands and palm trees that have attracted lots of bird species. Kigali city comprises several birding areas from the Nyandungu eco-tourism Park, Nyarutarama lake, Nyabarongo wetlands, and the Umusambi village nature resort.

Following a pattern for birding will have you enjoy birds, these are determined by seasons and time, December to February is one of the best birding seasons in Rwanda, due to the arrival of migratory species, during this time the song birds are highly vocal and attract a lot of mates, September -November also bring about high population of birds there are a lot of flocks of migratory species, it is during these times and the forests are fruiting hence attracting more bird types, Birds are best experienced in the early mornings with a calm milled weather.

Despite the wet season being the best time to go birding in Rwanda, the birds of the country can be encountered all year round June, July, August, September, January and February are considered a high peak season, this is a time when the angelic country receives most travelers to conservation areas, during these months the weather is generally dry and sunny which makes it more easy to walk through forest trails, there is an improved visibility in the sky hence makes it more easy to spot birds.

When preparing for a birding trip in Rwanda it is important to pack thoughtfully to ensure a great experience, a few items to consider include long sleeved shirts and trousers, light weight clothes, water resistant jackets, comfortable proper hiking boots, hats, sunglasses, bird guidebook, snacks, insect repellants, camera, binoculars, and any other items of personal nature.

In conclusion, Rwanda is one of the best birding areas of East Africa, it is a recommendable place to spot several species.