Rwanda

Rwenzori Turaco © feathercollector/Shutterstock

The best montane birding in Africa, with a potential total of more than two dozen Albertine Rift endemics in well-protected parks and reserves, plus Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys, and an unforgettable trek to the Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Marvelous wildlife and good traveling conditions complemented by meetings with local conservationists and the campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Rwanda, bordering Tanzania to the west in central Africa’s Great Rift Valley, is a compact nation of some 13 million people and the site of the most productive mountain birding on the continent. With international tourism a priority, Rwanda has made significant investments in its national parks, roads, and other infrastructure. The populace has a highly developed sense of environmental responsibility, and the capital, Kigali, and other cities are clean and lavishly green, with good birding and wildlife-watching in well-kept public parks and gardens.

Rwanda’s bird list approaches 750 species, many of them easily found in the impressive array of habitats we will be birding on our visits to three of the country’s fine national parks. Our tour may also introduce us to a selection of early arriving wintering birds from Europe and Asia. We will pay special attention to the 29 bird species endemic to the valleys and mountains of the Albertine Rift. Rwanda is the easiest place to meet with noisy groups of the odd but appealing Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, and the attractive Red-faced Barbet can be found in eastern woodlands. Among the other regional specialties are the purple and green Rwenzori Turaco, the bright-eyed Rwenzori Batis, and no fewer than five dazzling sunbirds. Our tour will be about more than locating endemic birds, however, and our explorations of this beautiful country will yield hundreds of other species.

Not all of Rwanda’s wildlife wears feathers. Our safari in Akagera National Park is a chance to see Lions, Leopards, elephants, Black Rhinos, and buffalo. Nyungwe Forest is home to an impressive nine primate species, chief among them the playful and captivating Chimpanzees. And a very special outing in Volcanoes National Park takes us into the realm of the magnificent Mountain Gorilla, where we will spend a privileged hour observing the habits and family life of these gentle giants.

We also take the opportunity to engage with local conservationists for insight into the vital efforts they are making to keep their community’s natural and cultural heritage intact.

Very good accommodations and good food; vehicle travel on good and well-maintained roads; generally relaxed walking, with some steeper trails; tremendous wildlife-watching and expertly guided experiences at wildlife sites.

Silverback Mountain Gorilla © Onyx9/Shutterstock