Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Rwanda – one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a paradise for bird watching safaris in Rwanda. Although popular for its primate tracking adventures, especially chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 310 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, making it a great spot for Rwanda Birding Safaris. This National Park encompasses varied altitudes (ranging from 1,600 to 2950 meters above sea level), making the Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park an exciting and rewarding adventure. The varied landscapes of this National Park are made up of montane rainforests, bamboo thickets, swamps, and open woodland, all of which provide habitats for a diverse range of bird species. Birding in Rwanda/Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park is conducted by specialized birding safari guides who help you navigate through the forest while identifying different bird species that you’ll encounter.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the thick rainforests in Rwanda and during bird watching tours in Rwanda, only a few serious bird lovers are likely to get feathered into excitement with the sighting of different bird species. The dense cover of the forest requires keen observation to be able to spot various bird species during the Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

In order to experience the best birding experience in Nyungwe forests during the hikes, we recommend hiring an experienced local birding guide who are very knowledgeable about the park and its avian diversity. Most local guides can easily identify different birds just from their sounds. Before you embark on the trek in Nyungwe to search for different bird species, your guide will help you choose a bird watching trail in Nyungwe – depending on what you would love to see during your birding tour.

Top Bird Species to Spot during a Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Albertine Rift Endemic Bird species: Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Albertine endemic bird species are bird species that are exclusively found with the Albertine region which is part of the western branch of the East African Rift Valley. This Albertine region stretches across western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and northern Tanzania. This region is recognized as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in Africa – a must visit for any bird enthusiast. The Albertine endemic bird species have evolved unique adaptations to cool, moist, and elevated environments in this region and can not bee seen in any other areas of the world. During a Birding Safari to Nyungwe Forest, the Albertine endemics should be on top your must see list in Rwanda. Here is a full list of the Albertine endemic species that can be seen on your Rwanda birding tour to Nyungwe;

• Rwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni)
• Red-collared Mountain Babbler (Kupeornis rufocinctus)
• Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)
• Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri)
• Albertine Owlet (Glaucidium albertinum) – rare and elusive
• Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops)
• Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)
• Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni)
• Stripe-breasted Tit (Melaniparus fasciiventer)
• Mountain Masked Apalis (Apalis personata)
• Kivu Ground Thrush (Geokichla piaggiae tanganicae)
• Purple-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia purpureiventris)
• Blue-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra alinae)
• Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)
• Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni)

• Archer’s Robin-Chat (Cossypha archeri)
• Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata)
• Neumann’s Warbler (Urosphena neumanni)
• Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis ardesiacus)
• Ruwenzori Apalis (Apalis ruwenzorii)
• Kungwe Apalis (Apalis argentea)
• Lagden’s Bush-shrike (Malaconotus lagdeni) – rare and sometimes sighted
• Red-faced Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus laetus)
• Dwarf Honeyguide (Indicator pumilio)
• White-headed Wood-hoopoe (Phoeniculus bollei)
• Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum) – near-endemic and commonly sighted
• Mountain Sooty Boubou (Laniarius poensis)
• Dusky Tit (Melaniparus funereus)
• Yellow-crested Helmet-shrike (Prionops alberti) – rarely observed

Other bird life in Nyungwe

Beyond the Rift Endemic species, Nyungwe Forest is also home to several other bird species, including: Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, African Palm Swift, Little Swift, White-rumped Swift, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker, Gray-throated Barbet, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, among others.

Bird Watching Trails in Nyungwe

Bird watching hikes in Nyungwe are conducted on different Birdin trails in the forest. The Birding trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park are the pathways or routes within the forest that visitors can follow in order to sight different bird species in the park. There are several birding trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, each trail offers a whole different experience for the other. The trails differ in terms of the altitudes, vegetation, accessibility and difficulty. Although there are several birding trails in Nyungwe, the following are the most recommended one on your Rwanda Birding Tour/ Bird watching safari in Nyungwe;

1. Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail

The Kamiranzovu trails is one of the best birding trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This trail is known for its unique experience that allows you to spot bot wildlife species and bird life in the park. The Kamiranzovu trail is the best trail for those interested in witnessing the Swamp-dwelling species like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Great blue turaco, and many other endemic species. This trail is a 6-kilometer loop leading to the largest wetland inside the park. Beyond wildlife and birdlife, this trail is also known for its many orchid species.

2. Karamba Trail

The Karamba Birding Trail is located in the western part of the park and is best for spotting different bird species in the park especially flocks of forest and edge species. The Karamba Trail is one of the moderate and easy to hike trails during Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Features: Open forest with remnants of historic buildings and mining operations, now a quiet and biodiverse spot.

3. Uwinka Trail Network

The Unwika Trail is one of the most popular trails in Nyungwe Forest, especially for nature guided hikes and canopy views in the forest. This trail is also a great birding trail, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy canopy views and a wide variety of high-altitude species.

The Uwinka Trail is close to the visitor center and canopy walkway, making it a great trail for mixed-species flocks and views into the treetops.

Other Birding Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Bigugu Trail
• Isumo Waterfall Trail
• Inganji trail

Best Time for Bird Watching in Nyungwe

Although birding safaris to Nyungwe/Rwanda Birding tours can be done all year round, the dry seasons (from June to September and December to February) is considered as the best time for bird watching in Nyungwe/Bird Watching Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park. During the dry months, the trails are less muddy, and birds are more active and vocal, making them easier to spot and identify.

However, for avid birders, the wet season (especially March to May) can also be rewarding. This is when breeding activity peaks, and many birds are in their most colorful plumage. It’s also when migratory species are present in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Explore Rwanda’s avian array on our well-customized birding safari tours. Just call, WhatsApp, email us, or fill out our inquiry form, and our experts will be ready to customize your journey.