Experience Rwanda like never before with this 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour, expertly crafted by Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours. This luxury journey combines the thrill of classic African safaris with the serene beauty of birding excursions through Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems. From the rolling savannahs of Akagera National Park to the misty montane forests of Nyungwe, and the wetland-rich shores of Lake Kivu, each day offers an immersion into the natural richness that makes Rwanda one of Africa’s best-kept secrets for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. With premium accommodation, private guides and thoughtfully curated activities, this tour delivers comfort, exclusivity and a deep connection to Rwanda’s wild side.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a professional guide from Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours. After a short briefing and refreshments, enjoy a private Kigali city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market and Inema Arts Center. These visits provide a balanced introduction to Rwanda’s history, resilience and modern creativity.
Following lunch in Kigali, begin your journey east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, winding through rural countryside and lake-dotted landscapes. Arrive in time for check-in, followed by an evening sundowner and gourmet dinner at your lodge overlooking the park’s plains or lakes.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive – Bird Watching in Akagera National Park
Start your day with a sunrise game drive through Akagera’s sweeping savannahs, searching for lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelope species and elusive leopards. Akagera is teeming with wildlife, making it ideal for photographers and enthusiasts alike.
After a picnic lunch in the park, switch gears for an afternoon birding session in the wetlands and lake areas. Akagera boasts over 500 bird species, including the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, African fish eagle, Jacanas, kingfishers, and weavers. Your specialist bird guide will help identify both common and rare species during the excursion.
Return to your lodge for an evening at leisure, with options for a spa treatment, fireside cocktails or a private bush dinner on request.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Return to Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After a leisurely breakfast and optional short walk around the lodge grounds for morning bird sightings, begin the scenic return journey to Kigali, stopping for lunch en route.
From Kigali, continue south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey of around 5 to 6 hours. This montane rainforest is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse, home to 13 primate species and more than 310 bird species, many of them Albertine Rift endemics. Along the way, admire Rwanda’s iconic terraced hills and local village life.
Check in at your luxury lodge in time for dinner, surrounded by the tranquil forest atmosphere and nighttime jungle sounds.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Forest Bird Watching in Nyungwe
Wake early for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in the heart of Nyungwe Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, venture into the misty trails accompanied by expert trackers. The trek is an immersive walk through dense vegetation, alive with birdcalls and the distant hoots of chimps. Once the group is located, you will spend one unforgettable hour watching them swing through the trees, play, groom and interact.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out on an afternoon birding walk. Nyungwe is a haven for Albertine Rift endemics like the Ruwenzori turaco, grauer’s warbler, red-collared babbler, and blue-headed sunbird. Your guide will help you explore areas with high bird density, especially around Gisakura and Kamiranzovu Swamp.
In the evening, enjoy a forest-inspired dinner back at the lodge.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Canopy Walk and Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu (Karongi)
Today begins with the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling suspended bridge walk 60 meters above the forest floor. From this unique vantage point, take in panoramic views and spot monkeys, birds and butterflies in the treetops.
After the canopy experience, enjoy breakfast and begin the drive north to Karongi (Kibuye) on the shores of Lake Kivu. This beautiful lakeside town offers a completely different landscape, with rolling hills, sandy bays and tranquil waters perfect for relaxation and more bird watching.
In the afternoon, take a boat excursion on Lake Kivu to Napoleon and Peace Islands, which host large colonies of fruit bats and numerous waterbirds. Species to watch for include African fish eagles, cormorants, herons, sandpipers, and white-breasted cormorants.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge, Rwiza Village Hotel, Moriah Hill Resort.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Morning Bird Walk – Return to Kigali – Departure
Spend your final morning on a lakeside bird walk or enjoy a relaxing breakfast on your terrace with binoculars in hand. Lake Kivu’s peaceful environment makes it ideal for observing species like African pied wagtails, swamp flycatchers, white-browed robin chats, and more.
Later, embark on your return drive to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy one last meal or visit a local market before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour.
The 6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Bird Watching Tour includes;
- All luxury accommodation with full board
- Private 4×4 transport with expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entry fees and permits (chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, game drives)
- Specialist birding guide in Akagera and Nyungwe
- Boat excursion on Lake Kivu
- Bottled water and soft refreshments during drives
- All scheduled activities and excursions as described.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.