Birding in Nyungwe National Park is one of activities offered by this park. Nyungwe forest gained its protective status in 2004 from the Rwanda government, but within a short time, this forest has turn out to tourism to become one of the birding paradise within the region. Birding in Akagera National park or Birding in Nyungwe National Park is classified by Bird Life International as an “Important Bird Area” (IBA), which means that the Nyungwe National park has “true significance” for the international conservation of bird populations….” In their fact sheet, they say that Nyungwe forest is one of the most important forests for conservation of montane birds in the region. During the Birding in Nyungwe National Park you can spot different birds the same way birding in Akagera National Park.
A birder’s paradise, Nyungwe is home to 278 species of birds— and 26 are regional endemics whose range is restricted to a few forests along the Albertine Rift. Grauer’s Rush Warbler is an Albertine Rift endemic that thrives in isolated mountain swamps, such as Kamiranzovou.
Turacos such as this Ruwenzori Turaco are rare elsewhere but abundant in Nyungwe forest. when coming for Birding in Nyungwe National Park, you are likely to hear their loud repetitive call resonate in the forest, the dirt Rangiro Rd, which starts 1.5km east of Uwinka, and the Imbaraga, Umuyove and Kamiranzovu Trails are all highly recommended for birdwatching. The paved road through the park permits viewing at all levels of the forest: expect mountain buzzards and cinnamon-chested bee-eaters perched along here, plus numerous sunbirds, wagtails and flocks of waxbills. Other commonly sighted birds include francolins, turacos, African crowned eagles, hornbills and even Congo bay owls.
Spectacular and rare sunbirds, such as the endemic Purple-breasted and Blue-headed, can be seen feeding in flowering trees.
When doing Birding in Nyungwe National Park, there are six specialist birding guides based in Nyungwe who need to be booked in advance for specalist birdwatching trips. Depending on what you hope to see, the guide will choose a trail that maximises your chances of spotting your quarry.
If you’re unsure of what to ask for, opt for the dirt Rangiro Rd. Thanks to the frequent changes in elevation along this route you have increased chances of spotting a good number of Nyungwe’s fine feathered friends.
The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, one of two hornbill species in the park, is known by its huge bill and honking call.
Some Albertine Rift endemics found in Nyungwe:
- Red-throated Alethe Alehe poliophrys
- Kungwe Apalis Apalis argentea
- Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis ruwenzorii
- Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops
- Stripe-breasted Tit Parus fasciiventer
- Ruwenzori Nightjar Caprimulgus ruwenzorii
- Archer’s Robin-chat Cossypha archeri
- Dusky Crimson Wing Cryptospiza jacksoni
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing Cryptospiza shelleyi
- Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis
- Neumann’s Warbler Hemitesia neumanni
- Red-collared Babbler Kupeornis rufocinctus
- Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus
- Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius
If you are interested in Birding in Nyungwe National Park, just send us an email at info@rwandaecocompany.com, our reservation team are well informed about this forest as they have been working on this for quite a long time. Our guides know the birds and the trails; you will have a wonderful birding experience in the Nyungwe.
