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BIRDING TOURS

Rwanda & Uganda are prime destinations for birdwatching, offering a variety of landscapes and habitats that support a rich diversity of bird species. Whether you're exploring the dense forests of Nyungwe, the wetlands of Akagera, or the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda provides incredible opportunities to see some of Africa’s most beautiful and rare birds.
Enchanting Rwanda we offer guests the chance to observe and learn about our endemic bird species in their natural habitats. These specialized tour are designed to connect birdwatching enthusiasts with local ecosystems, often in beautiful wilderness.

Image by Leon Pauleikhoff

Birding in Rwanda and Uganda

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Birding in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of Africa’s most rewarding birding destinations, offering exceptional biodiversity condensed within a small, easily navigable country. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda hosts over 700 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, making it a paradise for both seasoned and beginner birders.


From the lush montane forests of Volcanoes National Park to the serene wetlands of Akagera and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, every corner of Rwanda reveals new avian treasures. Some of Rwanda’s most sought-after species include the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Collared Apalis, Handsorne Francolin, and the rare Shoebill Stork found in marshy lowland areas.
 

Rwanda also stands out for its exceptional birding infrastructure—smooth roads, professional guides, and compact distances allow travelers to explore multiple birding habitats in a short period. Whether walking canopy trails, tracking forest species, or scanning savannah plains, Rwanda offers a birding experience that is immersive, accessible, and incredibly rewarding.

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Birding in Uganda

Uganda is widely regarded as one of the top birding destinations in the world, boasting over 1,080 recorded species, the highest bird count per square kilometer in Africa. Uganda’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from tropical rainforests and papyrus swamps to savannah grasslands, volcanic slopes, and freshwater lakes—create habitats for a remarkable variety of species.


Uganda’s wetlands and waterways, including the shores of Lake Victoria and the papyrus swamps of Mabamba Bay, are famous for sightings of the iconic Shoebill Stork, one of the most sought-after birds on the African continent. Other specialties include the Green-breasted Pitta, African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Black Bee-eater, Nahan’s Francolin, and numerous Rift Valley endemics.


Prime birding locations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga provide rich opportunities for both forest and savannah species. With expert local guides and diverse landscapes, birding in Uganda promises exceptional sightings and an authentic wilderness experience.

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Why Birding in Rwanda & Uganda Stands Out

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  • Unmatched diversity: Over 1,700 combined species, including Albertine Rift endemics and rare forest birds.

  • Unique habitats: Rainforests, wetlands, grasslands, lakeshores, mountains, and savannahs all in one region.

  • Ease of travel: Well-developed tourism infrastructure and short distances between prime birding areas.

  • Rare and iconic species: Shoebill Stork, African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, papyrus endemics, and numerous migratory species.

  • Expert guiding & conservation: Highly trained bird guides, responsible tourism models, and protected habitats ensure memorable and ethical birding.

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