3-Day Akagera Birding Safari: Shoebills, Big Five & Wildlife｜Rwanda

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Birding at Lake Ihema

This tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation/Airport in Kigali, where you’ll meet your driver guide for the trip to Akagera National Park. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, covering a distance of 135 kilometers. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for a birding boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This lake is part of an extensive wetland system in Central Africa, home to numerous bird species. During the boat ride, keep an eye out for iconic species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, African Fish Eagle, and the rare Shoebill, as well as the Grey Crowned Crane. You may also spot aquatic wildlife, including hippos and Nile crocodiles, adding an exciting dimension to your birding experience.

Day 2: Full Day Birding in Akagera National Park

On the second day of your birding adventure, you will wake up early to explore Akagera National Park in depth. With over 525 bird species, including 44 raptor species, this park is a haven for bird watchers. Expect to see a wide variety of birds, including the Lilac-Breasted Roller, Crested Barbet, Ring-necked Francolin, and the elusive Black-headed Gonolek. Other notable species you may encounter are the Madagascar Pond-Heron, Green-throated Sunbird, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, and Black-spotted Flufftail.

In addition to birding, the park offers exciting wildlife sightings. You may encounter Maasai giraffes, lions, elephants, Cape buffaloes, topis, black rhinos, and more. Enjoy a full day of birding and wildlife watching along the park’s diverse game tracks. In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 3: Morning Birding and Return Back to Kigali

On the final day of your birding safari, wake up early for a morning birding trip to catch any species you might have missed during the previous days. As you explore the park one last time, you’ll have another chance to witness the diversity of Akagera’s birdlife. After your birding session, return to the lodge for check-out and prepare for the drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport or Hotel, marking the end of your memorable 3-day birding tour in Akagera National Park.