Embark on a remarkable 11-day birding and wildlife expedition across Rwanda with Nomad Touring Company Ltd. From the lush rainforests of Nyungwe to the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu, and the savannah landscapes of Akagera, this tour is designed for avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. With over 680 bird species recorded and more than 27 Albertine Rift endemics, Rwanda offers unmatched birdwatching opportunities. The journey also includes unforgettable experiences such as chimpanzee tracking, a canopy walk, and the iconic gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Each day is carefully curated to combine comfort, adventure, and immersive nature experiences.

Itinerary

Cost

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Nomad Touring Company Ltd and transferred to your hotel. Spend your afternoon at leisure or take an optional introductory birding excursion around Kigali city. Kigali boasts rich bird habitats including wetlands and woodlands, with possible sightings of over 200 species in a single day. In the evening, a detailed tour briefing will be conducted. Overnight at Chez Lando Hotel.

Day 02 :

Kigali to Akagera National Park

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart early for Akagera National Park, arriving by 8:00 AM. Begin a morning birding and wildlife drive through the park’s diverse savannah and wetlands, home to over 525 bird species. Look for species such as Cisticolas, Buffaloes, Zebras, and Impalas. Post-lunch, continue birding to spot species like the Sooty Chat. After sunset, embark on a night game drive for possible sightings of nocturnal birds such as the Square-tailed Nightjar and animals including leopards and hyenas. Overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 03 :

Birding and Wildlife Safari in Akagera

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Akagera’s rich birdlife and game viewing routes. Key species include African Open-billed Stork, Long-toed Lapwing, Red-faced Barbet, Shoebill, and Bennett’s Woodpecker. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema to view hippos, crocodiles, and water birds like the African Fish Eagle and Malachite Kingfisher. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 04 :

Return to Kigali

Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, take a birding drive through the Lake Circuit where you may encounter Topi, Roan Antelope, Lions, and species like the Crested Barbet. Arrive back in Kigali by afternoon. Check-in at Chez Lando Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 :

Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start early with a birding stop in Bugesera to search for the elusive Papyrus Gonolek. Afterward, proceed on a scenic 6-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and home to 300+ bird species including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel.

Day 06 - 07 :

Birding and Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 6, start early with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Later, engage in canopy walking or birding at Uwinka to spot species such as Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Day 7 continues with targeted birding for Albertine Rift endemics such as Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Warbler, and the elusive Albertine Owlet. Dinner and overnight at the lodge both nights.

Day 08 :

Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a transfer day from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive across Rwanda’s hilly countryside may take most of the day, depending on stops. Arrive at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes and settle into your lodge. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Hotel.

Day 09 :

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Depending on your fitness and preference, a suitable gorilla family will be allocated. Trek through montane forest trails to spend one unforgettable hour observing a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Hotel.

Day 10 :

Volcanoes to Lake Kivu

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning birding at Irebero trail to spot any missed Albertine Rift endemics. After lunch, drive along the scenic Kivu Belt road toward Karongi. Enjoy breathtaking lake views as you arrive at the lakeside town. Check in at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 :

Lake Kivu Boat Ride and Return to Kigali

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu with possible sightings of water birds and a visit to the hot springs. Return to the hotel for lunch before driving back to Kigali for a drop-off at the airport or your hotel. End of tour.