Highlights of the Tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Akagera National Park
Day 3: Akagera National Park
Day 4: Kigali & Departure
Introduction
Welcome to Rwanda, the land of thousand hills and unlimited opportunities! Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in Africa. Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes, and numerous livers, some forming the source of the River Nile. The country lies 75 miles south of the equator in the Tropic of Capricorn, 880 miles “as crow flies” west of the Indian Ocean, and 1,250 miles east of the Atlantic Ocean- literally in the heart of Africa. Rwanda with a land area of 26,338 Kilometre square, is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.
Rwanda has one of the highest bird counts on the continent (703 bird species), rated in the top five destinations in the world for those seeking a rewarding birding experience. Any serious birding expedition should incorporate the wetter and more mountainous western regions, the drier savannah of the east, and then spend time in some of the many wetlands and marches and species-rich forests.
Day 1: Kigali- Akagera National Park
Welcome to Rwanda. Your journey starts at Kigali Airport where you meet our driver guide who stays with you throughout your visit to Rwanda. Please arrange to arrive in Kigali before 1pm – if your flight does not arrive before that time then you need to arrive one day earlier and book one night’s pre-tour accommodation as well as an arrival transfer (these will be at an additional cost). Please read the visa information for Rwanda on your pre-departure information before you depart, as you’re required to apply for your visa before arrival.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll have a welcome toast before you start your journey to Akagera National Park, which will last for approximately 2hours and 30 minutes drive to the eastern region of Rwanda. On your trip to Akagera national park, you are able to enjoy the beauty of the land, most of the green verdant environments and neighborhoods, learn more about the life in communities that you pass by on your way to the park. Depending on your time of arrival and energy, you may enjoy the evening birding in the park, as you get settled in the new, refreshing environment as you get ready for the real birding experience the following days.
Day 2: Game drive in Akagera National Park
The game drive is an opportunity to see over 11 species of antelopes, over 525 species of birds including the rare one called the shoe bill stock, papyrus gonolek, and the big 5 i.e. Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant to mention but a few. Today, we base mainly in southern park, which is characterized by dense forest and a few wetlands. In the afternoon, you go for a boat ride on Lake Ihema to see crocodiles, schools of hippos, and lots of water birds.
Day 3: Game drive in Akagera National Park
The Akagera National Park in the northeast covers a sizeable chunk of savannah. A mix of rolling grassland interspersed with broad-leafed and acacia woodland. The sought-after species here would be Red-faced Barbet, Sousa’s Shrike, and white-Collared Oliver back among others.
Late in the afternoon, you take your journey back to Kigali. When you get there, you may opt to take a night out in Kigali, before you retire to bed.
Day 4: Masaka Wetland & Departure.
Early in the morning, you take your ride to Masaka Wetland, where you are likely to have a morning birding experience nearby Kigali city. It gives you more species of birds added to your numbers before you head back home. When you leave this place, depending on your flight, you may opt for a city tour in Kigali before you head back to the airport for a journey back home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights):
Luxury:
Mid-range:
Budget:
Driver Guide
This is an ‘independent trip. You will have an assigned local driver-guide who is knowledgeable and versatile in handling long period tours. He will be in charge of your tour from day one until your departure. You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.
Transport
Private vehicle, 4WD with air conditioner.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED?
- Visa fees
- Flight tickets
- Alcoholic drinks
- Insurance & Medical expenses
- Extra cost not mentioned in the package