A 15-Day Rwanda And Uganda Birding Itinerary | Albertine Rift Endemics
Albertine Rift endemics are species unique to the Albertine Rift ecoregion, a mountainous area formed by tectonic activity in central Africa that spans parts of Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania. This region’s complex topography has resulted in high levels of biodiversity and faunal endemism, especially in its montane forests. Notable endemics found in Rwanda and Uganda include the mountain gorilla, Rwenzori turaco, Grauer’s warbler, and the African green broadbill, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Nyungwe Forest being prime locations for finding these species.
The region of a thousand hills, truly. Rwanda is endowed with numerous expansive rolling hills. Rwanda served as Diana Fossey’s chosen residence and is the habitat of the endangered Mountain Gorillas.
Rwanda is among Africa’s premier bird watching locales, boasting over 670 avian species, including readily observable Albertine Rift endemics.
We will explore Nyungwe Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Semuliki National Parks, which will together fulfil your list of Albertine Rift endemics on this Birding The Albertine Rift Endemics Of Rwanda And Uganda tour.
A Complete 15-Day Rwanda And Uganda Birding Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kigali (Kanombe) Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and sent to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight at Hotel Intercontinental.
Day 02: Drive down Southwest to Nyungwe Forest
Following breakfast, embark on the journey to Nyungwe Forest, with a lunch break along the way. Proceed with the drive post-lunch through the hills and valleys of the forest, where you will begin to observe birds, until reaching Gasakura Guest House, where you will spend the night while birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest.
Dinner and overnight at Gasakura Guest House. Full board.
Day 03: Bird Nyungwe Forest
Following breakfast with your packed lunch, embark on a full day of birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest. Be vigilant for avian species such as the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-chested Owlet, Rwenzori Nightjar, Western Green Tinkerbird, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Strip-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, and Lagden’s Bush-shrike, among others.
Dinner and overnight as before. Full board.
Day 04: Second day Bird Nyungwe Forest
Following breakfast and the preparation of your packed lunch, embark for a full day of birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest. Be vigilant for avian species such as the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-chested Owlet, Rwenzori Nightjar, Western Green Tinkerbird, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-Chat, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Short-tailed Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Grey-chested Illadopsis, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Strip-breasted Tit, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, and Lagden’s Bush-shrike, among others.
Dinner and overnight as before. Full board.
Day 05: Transfer to Uganda
Following breakfast, embark on the journey to Uganda via Kigali, Ruhenjeri, and ultimately Kisoro town, located 10 km from the border post.
Dinner and overnight at Travellers Inn. Full board.
Day 06: Bird Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Following breakfast and the preparation of your packed lunch, proceed to Ntebeko Camp, the starting point for your trek to one of the most picturesque protected areas in Uganda. You will traverse the gorge trail that encircles the midpoint of Mt. Sabinyo, passing through diverse mountain ecosystems. Be vigilant for avian species such as the Dusky Turtle Dove, Rwenzori Turaco, Cape Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Grassland Pipit, White-starred Robin, Mountain Yellow Warbler, White-naped Raven, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Bronze Sunbird, Yellow-crowned Canary, and Streaky Seedeater, while also attempting to locate the elusive Shelly’s Crimson-wing among other birds.
Dinner and overnight as before. Full board.
Day 07: Bird to Ruhija
Following breakfast, proceed to Echuya Forest and subsequently to Ruhija, with a brief interlude at the nearly completed papyrus swamp adjacent to the outflow of Lake Bunyonyi. Here, one may encounter avian species such as the Greater Swamp Warbler, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and Papyrus Canary, contingent upon fortune, as well as Carruther’s Cisticola and the elusive Little Rush Warbler, alongside Fawn-breasted Waxbill, among other birds. Proceed with the journey to Ruhija, observing avian species such as the Handsome Francolin, Olive Pigeon, Western Green Tinkerbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Mountain Masked Apalis, White-browed Crombec, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Montane Oriole, White-napped Raven, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black-crowned Waxbill, and Black-headed Waxbill, among others.
Dinner and overnight at the Trekker’s Haven. Full board.
Day 08: Bird Mubwindi Swamp
After breakfast with your packed lunch, explore the Mubwindi Swamp, observing avian species such as the Black-billed Turaco, Western Green Tinkerbird, Fine-banded Woodpecker, African Green-Broadbill, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Montane Sooty Boubou, and Blue-headed Sunbird, among others. This walk is undoubtedly a highlight of birding excursions in Uganda; it is physically demanding, however achievable if approached at a leisurely pace.
Dinner and overnight as before. Full board.
Day 09: Bird to Bwindi (Buhoma) via the Neck
After breakfast, commence the journey to Bwindi (Buhoma), observing avifauna along the route, including species such as the Tambourine Dove, Black Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck, Mountain Wagtail, Toro Olive-Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Olive Thrush, Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Chubb’s Cisticola, Banded Prinia, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Sharpe’s Starling, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Twinspot, Yellow Bishop, and Black-throated Seedeater, among others.
Dinner and Overnight at The Gorilla Resort. Full board.
Day 10: Bird Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following an early breakfast, commence birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, observing species such as the African Goshawk, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black Bee-Eater, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Tinkerbirds, Barbets, Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, and several Greenbuls. White-bellied Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Dusky Tit, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Pink-footed Puffback, Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Starlings. Blue-headed Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Red-fronted Antpecker, and Magpie Mannikin, among other avian species.
Dinner and Overnight as before. Full board.
Day 11: Bird as you transfer to Fort Portal
Following breakfast with your packed lunch, proceed for Fort Portal via Queen Elizabeth National Park. Observe avian species such as the Grey-headed Kingfisher, Lesser Striped Swallows, Zitting Cisticola, Babblers, Grey-backed Shrike, Common Fiscal, Starlings, and Widowbirds, among others.
Dinner and Overnight at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel. Full board.
Day 12: Bird to Semuliki
Following an early breakfast, proceed to Semuliki National Park to explore the paths surrounding the hot springs. Relocate to Bundibugyo Township for a duration of two nights.
Overnight at the Rainbow Hotel. Full board.
Day 13: Whole day birding Kirumia Trail
Following breakfast, embark on a full day of birdwatching along the Kirumia route. Observe avian species such as the White-thighed Hornbill, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Black Bee-eater, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Crested Malimbe, Red-bellied Malimbe, and Blue-billed Malimbe. Observe the Swamp Palm Bulbul, and if fortunate, the Capuchin Babbler; remain vigilant, as you might encounter an African Piculet among various other avian species.
Dinner and overnight as before. Full board.
Day 14: Bird your way to Entebbe
Following breakfast, proceed to Entebbe, where you will conclude your stay in Uganda for the night.
Dinner and overnight at the Central Inn.
Day 15: Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Subsequent to breakfast, proceed to Entebbe International Airport to catch the return flight.
End of the 15-Day Rwanda And Uganda Birding Itinerary