Birding Tours in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda | Bird Species

Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park are the best add-ons to gorilla trekking in this lush National Park in Rwanda. To all avid lovers of Rwanda safaris, Volcanoes National Park is a true birders’ paradise that promises astonishing bird sightings in Rwanda. Birding tours and safaris in Volcanoes National Park come with unique opportunities for you to appreciate the Albertine Rift endemic and resident species.

Guided birding tours and safaris in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is conducted in a manner that avid birders are assigned an experienced guide. The guide allocated to you shall poses essential knowledge about birds, habitats, sizes, and all their characteristics. You can be led through the enriching birding trails in the park while keeping an eye on the different bird species. The bird watching trails in Volcanoes National Park feature the lush bamboo zones, rainforest, open grassland, giant lobelia, wetlands, craters, afro-alpine zones, and groundsels.

The Bird Species of Volcanoes National Park

Book Rwanda birding tours and safaris to explore over 200 bird species in Volcanoes National Park (VNP). The prime bird species to spot here include the dusky crimsonwing, Ruwenzori turacos, strange weaver birds, Archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori-double collared sunbird, and Lagden’s bush shrikes.

Other documented bird species in Volcanoes include Rwenzori batis, the handsome francolins, blue-headed sunbirds, scarlet-tufted sunbird, red-faced woodland warblers, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Doherty’s bush-shrike, dusky turtle dove, and Rwenzori apalis.

The Endemic & Rare Species of Birds in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is ecologically rich when it comes to endemic bird species. The endemic birds that have been recorded in the lush montane and bamboo forest habitats in Volcanoes National Park include the Rwenzori batis.

Bird Species in Their Varied Habitats

The Lush Bamboo Forest

The Bamboo Forest habitats or zones of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park mainly comprise birds such as the red-faced woodland warblers, stripe-breasted tit, and more. The diverse bird species in the Volcanoes bamboo forest can be explored during the morning walks.

Montane Forest

Along the montane forest zone, expect to find birds such as the white-starred robin, & African crowned eagle. The park features scenic forest slopes and ridges that offer the best spotting ground for bird watchers.

Moorland & grassland species

Get a chance to explore a range of birds around the open grassland and moorland areas of Volcanoes National Park. The notable birds here include the golden crowned crane, African marsh harriers, dusky turtle doves, and Alpine chats.

Essential Tips for Planning Birding Tours to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy Guided Birding Tours and Safaris

Volcanoes National Park is an excellent destination to enjoy guided birding experiences. Birders can be assigned an experienced guide to lead on a search for the birds.

When to go for Birding Tours in Volcanoes National Park

The best time to go birding in Volcanoes National Park is around the peak months of the year. The weather conditions during the dry season or months are generally excellent, and with the birding trails all passable for birders. The ideal dry months to consider booking your birding tours in Volcanoes National Park are: June, July, August, & September, or travel from December, January, to February.

November and April are preferred months for avid birders who are interested mainly in the migratory species of birds. These are also the best months to locate several birds as they breed or nest.

Pack appropriately for birding tours

The main items you should pack for a successful birding experience in Volcanoes National Park include a notebook, a field guide to East African birds, a camera, extra camera batteries, comfortable clothing, and walking boots –preferably waterproof & lightweight.

Why go Birding in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Support conservation efforts

Engaging in birding tours offers a great opportunity to contribute to conservation. The guided birding excursion brings you together with locals. The guided walks are led by residents with deep knowledge about the birds and habitats. Get a chance to listen to how they share inspirational stories on the significance of protecting habitats and birds in their community. Engaging in the birding excursions is one way of contributing directly towards the conservation of Volcanoes National Park and its diverse avid species.

Active participation by locals

Birding is one way that lets communities adjacent to the park engage in the activities and also benefit from the conservation revenues. The community members get involved as guides, experts, and other service providers to enhance the visitor experience during the birding safari.

Add-Ons to Birding Tours & Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Birding Tours and Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is an excellent destination to enjoy both gorilla trekking and birding tours. Gorilla trekking and bird watching expeditions can be combined. Volcanoes protects over 300 mountain gorillas out of the current 1063 individuals that exist in the world. The park boasts 13 habituated gorilla families, which can be tracked by a total of 8 pax.

The current gorilla groups to visit in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Kwitonda, Ugenda, Susa A, Sabyinyo group, Amahoro group, Hirwa, Umubano, and Muhoza gorilla families.

Gorilla trekking permits with discounted offers

The standard gorilla permits for you to secure to engage in the trek with mountain gorillas for US Dollars 1500 per person. The discounted gorilla permits cost US Dollars 200 for Rwandan citizens and the rest of the East African citizens. The African residents’ book permits at US Dollars 500 per person. These discounted gorilla permits are only available during off-peak months, specifically January to May and October-November.

Golden monkey tracking with Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park

Avid birders can also have a combined birding tour and guided golden monkey trekking experience. A great population of golden monkeys resides in the scenic Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. Engaging in the golden monkey trek allows you to interact with an already habituated troop of golden monkeys in the lush Volcanoes National Park.

Birding Tours with Volcano Hiking

Volcanoes National Park also offers the best volcano hiking adventures on top of birding experiences. The park comprises 5 Virunga Volcanoes, including Muhabura, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Hiking these volcanoes is a great way to conquer the great heights of the Virunga Mountain ranges.

Park entry fees to Volcanoes National Park

You can get a chance to visit Volcanoes National Park if you have cleared the entrance fees. The Volcanoes National Park entrance fees stand at US Dollars 100 for international guests and US Dollars 50 for birding. Note, the cost of the birding safari experience keeps changing. Reach out to our expert to assist you in organizing a memorable birding holiday.

Where to stay during Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park

Top accommodation options for you to stay during the birding safari in Volcanoes National Park include Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, and Kinigi Guesthouse. You may also book One and Only Gorillas Nest or Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, etc.

Best Birding Safari Company to Contact

Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd is the best birding tour and safari company in Rwanda. Contact us to organize bespoke birding safaris at an affordable rate. We have experts with vast knowledge on arranging birding tours. Reach out to us to secure a birding slot to start your journey to the jungle to watch your lovely birds.

Conclusively, Birding tours in Volcanoes National Park provide an amazing opportunity for avid birders to explore top bird species in Rwanda. Birding in Volcanoes mainly focuses on guided walking for you to find your favorite bird species in their habitats.