Bird Watching in Nyungwe – Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda, is one of the four national parks in the country and among the best birding destinations in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest is considered one of the IBAs (Important Bird Areas) by BirdLife International, and the destination should be on the must-visit list of bird lovers.
Even casual bird watchers would enjoy the beautiful birds in this national park.
With over 300 species of birds recorded in the national park, which include resident species, migratory species, and the Albertine endemic species, birding safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park are set to be very rewarding.
Of the over 300 recorded species, 29 of them are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
It can be difficult to spot birds in a dense rainforest like Nyungwe Forest, but with the services of an experienced bird guide, this can be a great challenging adventure, and you could be able to spot some lifers and add them to your list.
Birds of Nyungwe Forest National Park
Albertine Rift Endemics in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
- Handsome francolin
- Kungwe apalis
- Grauer’s swamp warbler
- Ruwenzori batis
- Ruwenzori apalis
- Ruwenzori turaco
- Ruwenzori nightjar
- Kivu ground thrush
- Dusky crimson wing
- Shelley’s crimson wing
- Archer’s robin-chat
- Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
- Strange weaver
- Mountain masked apalis
- Albertine owlet
- Blue-headed sunbird
- Neumann’s warbler
- Red-collared babbler
- Red-throated alethe
- Stripe-breasted tit
- Rockefeller’s sunbird
- Regal sunbird
- Red-faced woodland warbler
- Purple-breasted sunbird
Notable Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
- Great blue turaco
- Black saw-wing
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
- Blue-headed coucal
- Common stonechat
- Tropical boubou
- Striped pipit
- Short-tailed warbler
- Blackface rufous warbler
- African hill babbler
- Bat-tailed trogon
- Red-collared mountain warbler
- Grey-crested kakamega
- Black-headed gonolek
- Congo bay-owlet
- Doherty’s bushshrike
- African black duck
- Spur-winged goose
- White-tailed flycatcher
- Yellow-billed duck
- Striped-breasted tit
Birding Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
- Karamba Trail
- Bigugu Trail
- Gisakura Trail
- Kamiranzovu Trail
- Isumo Waterfall Trail
- Iganji Trail
Best Time for Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a wonderful year-round bird-watching destination, with the best months for birding being March, April, and May.
During these months, the birds are very vocal, making them easier to locate by following their sounds.
Be prepared for slippery trails, as April and May are wet months.
The dry months of June, July, August, and September are also good, as the trails in the forest are easily navigable because they are much drier.
However, the birds are quieter during the dry season.
Birding Essentials in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Waterproof poncho/raincoat
- Waterproof clothing
- Good hiking boots or shoes
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Pen and notebook
- Bird book guide
- Bird checklist
- Water bottle
Combine your birding tour in Nyungwe Forest with chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, nature walks, and Colobus trekking for a complete Nyungwe hiking trails experience.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
