Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park – Cost, Best time to book and more Tour Guide
Bird watching in Volcanoes National Park is one of the interesting activities enjoyed during Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and gives visitors an insight to the rich fauna in the popular lush rain forest of Rwanda.
There are over 180 extraordinary bird species living in the verdant jungles of Volcanoes National Park found in the north-western corner of this small East and Central African Country. This 160 square kilometer National Park is popular for gorilla trekking but it has more to offer than just the endangered Mountain gorillas it is known for and the birds are one of its beautiful attractions. Of the total bird species that call this Park home, 13 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift while 16 species are endemic to the Virunga Mountains.
Common birds to be spotted during bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
When you visit Volcanoes National Park for bird watching, be prepared to see the handsome francolin, strange weavers, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sun birds, Archer’s ground robin, Collared Apalis, Red-faced woodland warblers and Dusky Crimsonwing among others. Like most activities, bird watching in Volcanoes National Park starts in the morning with a briefing at the Park Headquarters and venturing into the jungle to find some of the residents of the Park. While spotting the bird species, you are likely to see the buffaloes, bushbucks, primates and butterflies that call Volcanoes Park home.
Packing list for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
The packing list for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park should include pair of binoculars for spotting the small and far species, a good camera with a good lens and enough memory, a guidebook, bird journal, long trousers and long sleeved shirts to protect your hands from being scratched, a hat, sunglasses, closed shoes, cotton socks, a rain jacket because you can’t predict the rains, a backpack for carrying the items you will need during bird watching, energy giving snacks, drinking water and a first aid kit.
Best time for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
The best time for bird watching within Volcanoes National Park is all year round although Volcanoes National Park is usually blanketed with mist and forest trails are wet, muddy and slippery during the rainy season in the months of March, April, May, October and November. The rainy season (especially in April and November) is however ideal for sighting the migratory species of birds.
Where to stay during bird watching in Volcanoes National Park
There are numerous places you can stay during bird watching in Volcanoes National Park but some of the popular ones are Bisate Lodge, Volcano Manor, Bishop’s house, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, Le Palme Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Fatima Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge and Gorilla Solution Lodge among others.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated within the north-western part of Rwanda, about 105 kilometers/2-3 hours’ drive from the Capital City (Kigali) which is also the starting point of the journey. This Park can be reached by both air and road transport whereby with the former there are scheduled flights or you can charter a plane from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport then proceed to the Park by road. With road transport, private and public means can lead you to the Park but for the latter, buses will stop at Musanze Town then you will be required to hire a cab or motorcycle to the Park Headquarters.