Birding Tours in Gishwati-Mukura National Park | Top Bird Species

Experience the best of birding tours in Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura is a newly established park and supports over 260 species of birds. The park offers a myriad of bird-watching opportunities in Rwanda, especially if you are interested in the Albertine Rift endemics.

The unique aspect of Gishwati-Mukura National Park birding safaris and tours is that avid birders embark on guided foot walks to search for the birds. Expect to have the chance to listen to the melodious bird songs as they sing, and also explore their habits in depth while in their natural environment.

What are the key bird species in Gishwati-Mukura National Park?

At Gishwati-Mukura National Park, expect to get birds such as cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, white-necked ravens, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, regal sunbirds, black-billed turacos, Grauer’s warblers, Albertine boubou, red-chested fluff-tail, Archer’s robin-chat, Rwenzori chat, Mountain buzzards, African hill babblers, and Narina trogon.

Gishwati-Mukura also holds birds, including the blue-headed coucals, luhder’s bush shrikes, purple-breasted sunbirds, willard’s sooty boubou, scaly-throated honey guide, grasshopper buzzards, and Abyssinian ground-thrush. Expect to also locate birds such as the martial eagle, weaver birds, and others.

Birds in Gishwati-Mukura National Park can be explored during nature walks. The park ranger guide is allocated to lead you through the forest walk as you search for bird species. A range of birds await you to spot with your cameras set for photographing them in their habitat.

When should you visit Gishwati-Mukura for a Birding Safari?

Getting to Gishwati-Mukura National Park for birding is possible at any month or time of the year. The park welcomes birders all-year round with a higher possibility for you to explore your favorite birds.

But you can consider visiting the park around June to September –the peak dry months with low rainfall for you to enjoy excellent birding experiences. January to May also offers an incredible opportunity for you to embark on a successful birding experience in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Packing for Gishwati-Mukura National Park Birding Safari

Things to pack for birding in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include field bird books, toiletries, first aid kit, a rain jacket, a refillable bottle of water, a safari hat, a daypack, a sweater, first aid kit, a camera, a pair of binoculars, and waterproof hiking boots.

Other wildlife to see besides birds

Gishwati-Mukura is not only popular for birds but also for other animals. The notable wildlife to expect to find in this park includes blue monkeys, black-front duikers, l’hoest monkeys, southern tree hyrax, baboons, and golden monkeys. The park also provides refuge to about 20 chimpanzees plus many red river hogs.

Chimpanzee and Birding Tour combo

Visitors can also have a combination of chimpanzee trekking tours and birding in Gishwati-Mukura. This is one of the best parks in Rwanda to enjoy encounters with the common chimpanzees in the wild and also birds. The park already contains a habituated community that can be visited by the public.

Accommodation to stay during Birding Tours in Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati Lodge is the available lodge option if you wish to embark on birding tours in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. This is a high-end lodge with 6 cottages accommodating up to 12 guests.

Getting to Gishwati-Mukura, Rwanda

Wondering how you can reach Gishwati-Mukura National Park for birding? This park is one of the most reachable parks or Rwanda safari destinations.

Expect to drive for only 3-4 hours starting from Kigali, and you can be at Gishwati-Mukura National Park. You can also depart from Gisenyi or Rubavu and drive for 35km or enjoy a drive of 70km from Ruhengeri.

Book your safari plus a comfortable 4×4 rental car for your connectivity. Contact Flawless Adventure Planners Limited to organize the best birding tours not only to Gishwati-Mukura National Park but also to other destinations in Rwanda.