Bird watching in Akagera National Park offers one of the best birding experiences in Rwanda- the Land of a Thousand Hills. In fact, after Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera Park is the second best destination for Rwanda birding safaris with over 480 recorded bird species, including 100 species of birds that can’t be spotted in any park of Rwanda.

A number of Rwanda birding tours in Akagera National Park are done along Lake Ihema boat cruise however, it’s also possible during game drives in the open savannahs and woodlands of Akagera. Normally, Akagera birding expeditions are done in the morning when birds are so active!

Out of the many bird species in Rwanda Akagera Park, visitors are more interested in spotting; the Shoebill stork, African Fish eagle, Pink-backed pelican, Double-toothed Barbet, African Openbill, Malachite Kingfisher, Brown snake Eagle, Cattle Egret, Yellow-billed stork, and Long-crested Eagle, etc.

Despite the fact that Akagera Park is an Important Bird Area- (IBA), it’s also home to the African safari Big Five animals; lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. Other safari grazers including giraffes, big herds of zebras, hyenas, topis, hippos, crocodiles, and bushbucks, are also residents.

Dry months offer the best bird watching experience in Akagera Park since rainfall will be minimal and most birding trails are dry and easy to hike.

For anything about Akagera National Park birding expeditions, continue below;

Spots for Bird Watching in Akagera National Park

Rwanda birding safaris in Akagera National Park only take place within specific areas of the park. However, travelers can spot Akagera bird species within any area for example, along game drive tracks, woodlands, savannah grasslands, and even in tree canopies to mention but a few.

These are the prime destinations for birding in Akagera Park;

1. Birding on a Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema boat cruise offers the best birding expeditions in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. The boat ride gives you room to spot water bird species that dwell in Akagera Park including even the elusive African fin foot. Other waders to spot during the Lake Ihema boat ride include; African openbill, Fan-tailed widowbird, Pink-backed pelicans, African fish eagle, Hamerkop, Papyrus Gonolek, Marsh Tchagra, Lesser swamp warbler, Giant Kingfisher, plus other Lake Victoria biome bird species.

The stunning Island within Lake Ihema is a breeding ground for waders such as African Darter, Yellow-billed stork, and African spoonbill, as well as Long-tailed and Great cormorant.

Along the shores of the Ihema Lake, tourists on Rwanda birding tours in Akagera National Park will spot; saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, pied kingfishers, Spur winged goose, swamp flycatchers, long toed lapwings, and western marsh harrier.

In most cases, Akagera National Park bird watching tours on Lake Ihema are done in the morning.

2. Birding in Akagera Park Open Savannahs

Akagera Park birding expeditions in the open savannahs take place in the Kilala sector in the northern sector of this savannah area. Putting aside birds, within these scenic plains, travelers can also spot game animals such as Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Topis, Elands, and Oribis to mention but a few.

The notable bird species in Akagera to find in the Kilala area include; Yellow-throated longclaw, Kittlitz’s Plover, Striped pipit, Yellow-bellied eremomela, Semi-collared flycatcher, Red-faced barbet, Blue-headed coucal, Crested barbet, Short-tailed pipit, Collared Pratincole, crested francolin among many others.

3. Birding in Akagera Park Woodlands

Woodland bird species in Akagera National Park are spotted in the southern sector of the park. To mention but a few, you can spot Spot-flanked Barbet, African grey hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green-capped Eremomela, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Green Woodhoopoe, Bare-faced go-away bird, Black-chested and Brown snake eagle, Martial eagle, and tawny eagles.

White-backed vulture, Bateleur, White-headed vulture, Greater Honeyguide, Wood Dove, Narina Trogon, Slate-coloured Boubou, Stout Cisticola, lappet-faced vultures, White-browed coucal, Ross’s turaco are also common.

Game drives and guided game walks are possible within this area.

Notable Bird Species in Akagera National Park to Look for

Though we have discussed various bird species spotted in various regions of Akagera, most tourists on Rwanda birding tours in Akagera National Park have some specific species of birds they normally want to spot.

The following are the most sought-after birds of Akagera National Park to look for while birding;

• Lilac-breasted roller
• African fish eagle
• Double-toothed barbet
• Papyrus gonolek
• Saddle-billed stork
• Shoebill stork
• Yellow-billed stork
• Palm-nut Vulture
• Long-crested eagle
• Martial eagle
• Crater cormorant
• Pink-backed Pelican

Bird lovers on Rwanda safari tours should note that Akagera National Park is the best area among Rwanda national parks to spot savannah bird species and raptors. Usually, Akagera birding expeditions go hand in hand with game-viewing expeditions such as game drives & boat rides on Lake Ihema.

Best Time for Bird Watching in Akagera National Park- When to Go Birding in Akagera Park Rwanda?

The fact that Akagera Park holds mostly dry savannah vegetation, Rwanda birding watching tours in Akagera National Park are open to travelers all year round. From June-September and even December-February, the temperatures in this park are pleasant and rainfall showers are minimal. Therefore, birding trails are dry and game viewing is at its best due to the thin and short grass.

In the rainy season of October to November, birders have a better chance of spotting both the migratory bird species and permanent species of the park. When it rains, a lot of birds congregate in the park because there’s a lot of food. However, some game trucks might get slippery and muddy.

A number of lodges give out discounts in the wet season thus, a great time for budget travelers on Rwanda tours.

Guidelines to Follow While Bird Watching in Akagera National Park

Travelers bird watching in Rwanda Akagera National Park should follow the following guidelines during the bird watching adventure;

1. Try to maintain maximum silence during the birding exercise. Noise frightens birds.
2. If you have a large group, split it into smaller groups. This allows you to spot well birds and even interact well with your birding guide.
3. Don’t use a flash camera while taking photos of birds. A flash scares birds.
4. Never use audio sounds to draw birds from their hiding places, this disrupts birds in their natural habitat.
5. You must always follow the guidelines of your Akagera Park birding guide
6. Don’t be tempted to leave the bird watching trail, this is not safe!
7. Don’t go birding without an armed park ranger. This personnel protects you while in the jungle from any harm from game animals.

What to Pack for Rwanda Birding Safaris in Akagera National Park

While bird watching in Akagera National Park, the following items are of great importance for your birding adventure;

• Binoculars; will enable you to view the birds even at far distances.
• A nice camera; make sure your camera has enough storage space and don’t forget to move with some extra batteries
• Insect repellant; usually we advise our clients coming for Rwanda birding safaris in Akagera to get an insect repellant with DEET over 60%.
• Notebook; where you will note some important information about certain bird species you’ll come across
• Birding guidebook; most visitors undertaking birding safaris in East Africa use the Birds of East Africa book. If you have this book, you can always look out for additional specific information about a given bird species you might come across.
• Safari walking boots; since bird watching takes place in the jungle, these mighty shoes will protect you from injuring your feet while in the jungle.
• Raincoat; you should have one because the weather is unpredictable. In case it rains, this rain jacket will be of help to you.
• Light day pack bag; this is where you will keep your birding essentials, for example, a camera, cell phone, insect repellant, drinking water, and even your travel documents.
• Sunhat; the fact that birding takes place in the field, a safari hat protects you from sunlight.
• Bottled water; during the birding expeditions, you must keep hydrated while in the wilderness. I litter water bottle can be enough for the day!
• Field clothes; Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts are wonderful during Akagera park birding adventures as they will protect your body against cuts.
• Personal toiletries; Among these include tissues, hair gels, and ladies should have sanitary wears

The above items can also work as you explore other national parks of Rwanda for example as you go for Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

What to Wear for Akagera National Park Bird Watching Tour?

As you come for a birding adventure in Akagera Park, there is a certain dress code you should follow for a thrilling bird watching experience.

Below let’s guide you on what to wear during Akagera National Park birding tours;

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts & trousers; since you’ll be in the wilderness, the long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your body against any possibilities of cuts as well as biting insects. If possible, get clothes in khaki, grey, and even brown as they blend well in the jungle.
2. Put on safari walking boots; during birding, normally travelers undertake some guided walks in the jungle. So, you should put on this kind of shoes to protect your feet.
3. Have a safari hat; sunshine in the dry season can be scorching therefore, a safari hat will protect you from this scorching sunlight of Africa.

Other Tourist Activities in Akagera National Park

In order to have a great bird watching safari experience in Akagera Park, most of the travelers undertake other activities.

The following are the most amazing things to do in Akagera National Park by tourists on Akagera Rwanda birding tours;

1. Go for game drives in Akagera Park
2. Undertake guided nature walks
3. Community visits around the park
4. Explore tea plantations around Akagera Park
5. Sport fishing in Akagera Shakani Lake
6. Go for camping adventures

How to Get to Akagera National Park in Rwanda?

Several travelers coming for Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera Park begin their adventure from Kigali. This lovely savannah park in the east of the country is around 2-3 hours drive from Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport.  In most cases, visitors arrive by safari vehicle however, it’s also possible to use helicopter flights to Akagera Park.

Accommodation to Use During Akagera National Park Birding Tours in Rwanda

Akagera National Park accommodation ranges from camping sites as well as safari lodges, all welcoming all classes of travelers on Rwanda tours.

Best accommodation in Akagera National Park for tourists on bird watching tours;

• Akagera Game Lodge
• Magashi Tented Camp
• Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Vintage Cottages
• Akagera Resort and Country Club
• Akagera Rhino Lodge

Although Rwanda has many national parks, bird watching safaris in Akagera National Park are incomparable to none! The park is the only destination to spot most of the savannah birds in Rwanda and even the rare Shoebill stork. Akagera birding tours are easy to combine with other activities such as boat rides, nature walks, and game drives in Akagera Park.

If you book your trip with us, we can supplement also other rewarding activities in Rwanda including Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking as well as gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

Contact our friendly Rwanda safari team for any inquiries about Rwanda holiday tours.