A Guide to Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is located near Musanze town in northwest Rwanda, bordering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volcanoes National Park is well-known for its endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and animals like as forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, gigantic forest pigs, and bushbucks. Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura are also located in Volcanoes National Park.

A guide to Bird watching in Volcanoes National park.

Over 200 bird species have been documented at Volcanoes National Park, including 17 of the 25 Albertine rift endemics, the afro tropical highlands biome, and migratory birds. You will be accompanied by an expert bird guide while bird watching at Volcanoes National Park and will follow several birding trails where you will be able to observe a range of bird species including; the Lagden’s Bush-shrike, African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Ruwenzori Batis, Black Cuckoo, Archers Robin Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Red Chested Sunbird, Strange Weaver, White Collared Silverback, Crested Barbet, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, African Goshawk, Lesser Honey Guide, Grey-backed Fiscal, Bronzy Sunbird, Brown-backed Honey Bird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Red Faced Woodland Warbler, Dusky Crimson-wing, Collared Apalis, Nirana Trogon, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, Dusky Turtle Dove, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bateleur, African Long-eared Owl, Brown-necked Parrot, Baglafecht Weaver among others.

When is the best time for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park?

Birding in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can be done at any time of year, but the best time is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. Because there is less rainfall in the national park during these months, the bird watching trails are dry and passable, and bird lovers can see a variety of colorful bird species.

Bird watching in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also possible during the rainy season, from March to May and October to November, because there is plenty of food for birds during these months, and it is also the breeding season for most birds, so bird lovers will be able to see a variety of bird species and migratory birds from November to April.

What to pack for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park?

When going on a birding safari in Volcanoes National Park, you should bring a field guide book, binoculars, insect repellent, long sleeved shirt and trouser, hiking shoes, camera and extra batteries, light rain jacket, energy snacks and drinking water, waterproof backpack, and a wide brimmed hat, among other things.

Where to stay during when bird watching in Volcanoes National Park?

The Volcanoes National Park includes a variety of lodging options where you may stay for your bird viewing safari. Budget, medium, and luxury lodgings are available; Amakoro Songa Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhabura, Virunga Inn and Resort, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Kataza House, My Hill Eco Lodge, Rrugano Virunga Palace, One and Only Gorillas Nest Lodge, Le Palme Hotel, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco lodge, Best View Hotel, Faraja Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Fravan Eco Resort among others.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern section of Rwanda and is accessible by road. Visitors will travel to Kigali International Airport and then connect to the park headquarters, which takes around 2 to 3 hours in a 4WD safari vehicle.

What to combine with birding watching in Volcanoes National Park?

Apart from bird watching, Volcanoes National Park offers visitors other interesting activities such as gorilla trekking, where you will be able to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, golden monkey trekking, hiking the Musanze caves, Dian Fossey tomb hike, mountain climbing where you will be able to hike Mount Karisimbi or Mount Bisoke, Iby’iwacu cultural tour where you will be able to interact with the local people, guided nature walks, visit the

Contact Explore Rwanda Tours for more information about bird viewing in Volcanoes National Park, or visit our website to schedule a birding safari package with us.