A One Day Birding in Kigali is a rewarding opportunity to explore various birding hotspots within this green metropolis and an introduction to the rich bird-diversity of Rwanda. Led by our own local bird expert, we will explore the birding hotspots of Lake Nyarutarama, Umusambi Village and Nyandungu Eco Park where the latter two are both excellently restored wetlands supporting a rich variety of local bird species. Contact us to tailor this short plan to your available time and taste.
Tour Overview
The One Day Birding, explore Kigali’s best birding hotspots of Nyandungu Eco Park and Umusambi Village, both excellently restored wetlands now turned into reserves offering great birding opportunities. Umusambi Village set on the edges of Kigali City is a grey-crowned sanctuary established to rescue these species from pet traders, rehabilitate and release them into the wild. The sanctuary which boasts a wide range of small habitats supports a birdist of over 100 species.
Next we will bird Nyandungu Eco Park another restored wetland turned into an urban reserve characterised by varied habitats that host good species. These varied habitats include; woodland patches, bamboo zones, wetlands and grassland that teem with adivesity of birds.
Lastly with time on our hands, we will bird around Lake Nyarutarama, an artificial lake on the edges of Kigali Golf Club surrounded by a small patch wetland hosting a variety of associated species. An excellent birding trail extend past the wetland into a nearby mature woodland boasting various associated bird species.
One Day Birding in Kigali Detailed Itinerary
- Morning Birding at Umusambi Village
This-day birding excursion in Kigali will begin early by a pick up by our expert bird guide from your hotel to come into Umusambi village lying on the outskirts of Kigali city. The sanctuary which was established as a rescue centre for the Grey-crowned Cranes consists of a wide range of smaller habitats from wetland patches, woodland and grasslands hosting a variety of bird species.
Highlights at Umusambi Village include; the localised pairs of White-collared Oliveback often seen skulking in the tall reeds but, Common Waxbill, Black-crowned Waxbill, Grosbeak Weaver, Western Citril, Bronze and Black and white Mankins, Fan-tailed Widow, Grey-capped Warbler, Red-faced Cisticola and Red-chested Sunbird. Flowers scattered around the complex attract Bronze, Variable and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds.
The wooded areas host a resident Long-crested Eagle and Palm-nut Vulture while Augur Buzzard, Lizard Buzzard and African Harrier-hawk occasional patrols here. The acacia patches sometimes attracts Nubian Woodpecker, Spot-flanked Barbet and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird along with Trilling Cisticola and Yellow-spotted Apalis. The water pond is stalked by the Malachite and Pied Kingfishers. Other good species include; Grey-crowned Cranes, Grey-backed Fiscal, Village, Spectacled and Black-headed Weavers, Grey-headed Nigrita, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, African Dusky Flycatcher, etc
- Late afternoon Birding at Nyandungu Eco Park And Lake Nyarutarama
After a lunch break, we will extend the birding at Nyandungu Eco park another restored wetland turned an ecopark for a variety of species. The park boasts excellent birding trails that crisscross varied habitats from ponds, woodlands and wetland patches supporting a diversity of species.We will wind up our excursion with a late afternoon session at Lake Nyarutarama that boasts a small wetland and surrounded by a mature woodland. Highlights to look out for include; African Jacana, Black Crake, Spur Winged Lapwing, Egyptian Geese, Common Cormorant, Open-billed Stork, Little Egret and on various occasions Yellow-billed Ducks etc.
Included on this Tour
This day bird outing Includes:
- Transport to and from your hotel/ residence
- Expert bird guide
- Lunch
- Safe drinking water
- Entrance fees and local taxes charges
Excluded
- Tips to your guides and gratuities
- Extra meals