Upon arrival in Rwanda, you will meet your driver and bird guide for your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari. You will transfer to your hotel for a briefing from the Nature Trails team. After the briefing, head out for birding in Kigali, starting at Umusambi Village. This sanctuary, established for rescued Grey-crowned Cranes, serves as a habitat for numerous bird species. As you walk the well-maintained trails, be on the lookout for White-collared Oliveback, Green-winged Pytilia, Lesser Honeyguide, and Purple-crested Turaco. You might also spot African Firefinch and Spot-flanked Barbet. This introduction to Rwanda’s birds offers great opportunities to photograph these colorful species. You will return to your hotel in the evening for dinner, preparing for a full day of birding ahead.

On Day 2 of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari, you will have an early breakfast before setting out for a full day of birding in Bugesera District. The wetlands and forests along the Nyabarongo River are rich in birdlife. Recording a variety of wetland species will be your focus, including Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Swamp Warbler, both endemic to the Lake Victoria region. After a morning of birding, you will continue to Gashora Lakes in Ngoma for more birding excitement. In the afternoon, you will explore forested areas and fields before returning to Kigali as the sun sets. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, antelopes, and various wading birds in the wetlands, making for an engaging day in the field.

Day 3 will start with an early breakfast before traveling east to Akagera National Park for birding and wildlife observations. This park is significant for protecting Rwanda's only savanna habitat, and over 525 bird species reside here, representing two-thirds of the nation's bird diversity. As you travel, watch for birds and other wildlife along the roadsides. Upon entering Akagera, you will hear the calls of the Little Rush Warbler. Spend time birdwatching while navigating the game circuits, observing acacia thickets, woodlands, and wetlands. Additionally, expect sightings of animals such as zebras, antelopes, and possibly rhinos during your explorations. In the evening, you will go on a boat ride on Lake Ihema to see water-associated birds, including the African Fish Eagle and African Jacana, enhancing your wildlife list.

On Day 4 of the 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari, you will wake up early for birding in Akagera National Park's southern regions. This area features dense acacia thickets and swampy lakeshores. Your primary target today is the Red-faced Barbet, an East African endemic special to Akagera. Throughout the day, you will focus on recording various other species, including the Lilac-breasted Roller and Swamp Flycatcher. As you drive through, you may also see large mammals, such as elephants, giraffes, and lions, in their natural habitats. Observing these animals against the backdrop of their environment offers great photography opportunities. As night approaches, look for nocturnal birds like Nightjars before returning to your lodge, where you will enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a rewarding day of birding.

Day 5 continues your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari with another full day of birding in Akagera National Park. This day, you will head north, where the wetlands offer the best chances to spot rare species like the Shoebill. While searching for this elusive bird, you will contribute to your list of savanna species, potentially including the Common Quail and African Crake. The northern area has expansive grasslands and is known for its large animal populations. You will have the chance to see lions, hyenas, and various grazing animals throughout the day. Spend the night camping in the north of the park, enjoying the vast views of Kilala Plains and allowing for evening birdwatching before retiring to your lodge.

On Day 6, you will have an early morning game drive through Kilala Plains, part of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari. This early start will give you excellent chances to see birds active at dawn and spot larger wildlife, including lions, elephants, and antelopes roaming the plains. After maximizing birdwatching opportunities, you will check out and make your way back to Kigali. During the drive, stay alert for any roadside birds or wildlife spotting as you return to the city. Once back in Kigali, you will check into your hotel for the night. Enjoy dinner and reflect on your time at Akagera, cherishing the experiences and wildlife you encountered.

On Day 7 of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari, you will drive approximately two hours north to the Musanze region, near the Virunga Mountains. Upon arrival, you will go birding in Buhanga Forest, which features several forest species. While this forest is not home to any Albertine Rift endemics, it still has a range of interesting birds, such as the Handsome Francolin and Great Blue Turaco. Walking through the lush forest, take time to watch for colobus monkeys and other wildlife that may cross your path. After a rewarding day in the forest, you will return to Ingagi Park View Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations, setting the stage for more birding adventures.

Day 8 is a highlight of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari, as you will spend the day in Rugezi Swamp, another Important Birding Area (IBA). This wetland is critical for various bird species and will give you the chance to observe the elusive Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, an Albertine Rift endemic. Keep your camera ready while you search for other water-associated birds such as the Red-chested Sunbird and Yellow-backed Weaver. You will also explore the surrounding gardens and bushes, enhancing your birdlist while keeping an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife. Late in the day, you will return to your lodge for dinner, basking in the wildlife observations you made.

Day 9 of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari will have you trekking the magnificent Virunga Mountains. After an early breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park, where you will search for high-altitude birds that thrive in this unique environment. The park holds some 200 species, including about 15 Albertine Rift endemics. You will trek through diverse habitats, including bamboo forests and moorlands on the way to Lake Ngezi. Look for appealing species like the Rwenzori Turaco and Regal Sunbird on the trek. Optional gorilla trekking offers another chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After an enriching day, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations, resting for more birding ahead.

The morning of Day 10 begins with an early start for your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari. After breakfast, meet the rangers for the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. This trek involves navigating through lush bamboo forests to find a habituated troop of over 100 golden monkeys. Spending time with these playful primates will be both entertaining and a prime opportunity for photography. After your monkey observation, you will depart for Gisenyi on Lake Kivu. Once you arrive, you may take a stroll along the lakeshore, watching for colorful birds like the Southern Red Bishop. Enjoy another evening at your hotel, indulging in delicious food and reflecting on the day’s adventures.

On Day 11, you will check out early and head to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, the newest park in Rwanda. This approximately 1.5-hour drive will set the stage for another exciting day of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari. Upon arrival, focus on birding within Gishwati Forest, where you’ll find 17 confirmed Albertine Rift endemic birds. Spend the day exploring, searching for unique species like the Albertine Owl and Blue-headed Sunbird. The forest is also home to various mammals, including golden monkeys and other wildlife. After a full day, settle in at the Forest of Hope Guest House for a restful night, anticipating more birding experiences in the days ahead.

Day 12 involves transferring to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. This drive is an opportunity to enjoy the verdant countryside and views of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, you will have your first birdwatching session in Nyungwe, an internationally renowned IBA. The park is home to around 310 species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics, making it one of the best destinations for bird lovers. After lunch, you will participate in the canopy walk, an exhilarating experience that offers a unique perspective on the forest. You may spot various birds and monkeys during this activity. Conclude your day with dinner at your lodge, sharing stories about the wildlife you’ve seen.

Following breakfast on Day 13, report to the Gisakura ranger post for another exciting day of birding in Nyungwe Forest. Today, you will venture into Kamiranzovu Marsh, home to the elusive Grauer's Swamp Warbler along with a variety of other species. While traversing the birding trails, keep an eye out for various monkeys, including the L'Hoest's monkey, as they are frequently seen in this area. The day provides an opportunity to record multiple Albertine Rift endemics in a relatively short time. In the evening, return to your lodge, reflecting on the day’s discoveries and preparing for more birding the following day. Your ongoing 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari continues to be fulfilling.

On Day 14, set out early for a full day of birding along the Mt. Bigugu trail in Nyungwe. This hike leads you to the highest point in the park and offers the chance to spot numerous Albertine Rift endemics, such as Olive Woodpecker and Rwenzori Apalis, while enjoying the surrounding wildlife. As you trek to the top, keep watch for the Mountain Buzzard and Rwenzori Turaco, both exciting finds for any birdwatcher. Encountering other wildlife, including various monkey species like the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, adds to the adventure. After a productive day, return to your lodge for a comforting dinner and a good night’s rest, storing up energy for another day filled with birding.

Day 15 offers the option of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. The trek begins at 5 a.m., creating an early start to your day focused on the 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari. Tracking chimps through Cyamudongo Forest is a special experience, and you might also come across other primate species during your hike. After the trek ends around noon, you can continue birdwatching along various trails, seeking to add to your bird list. For those who choose not to trek, another full day of birding awaits. There are still many trails to explore and numerous Albertine Rift endemics to find. Dinner will mark the end of your day, celebrating another successful day in the rich biodiversity of Rwanda.

On the final day of your 16 Days Rwanda Birding Safari, Primates, and Photography Safari, use your morning to enjoy any last-minute birdwatching or photography opportunities before returning to Kigali. After breakfast, you will check out and start your drive back to the capital. As you travel, reflect on the amazing wildlife you encountered, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, various bird species, and the beauty of Rwanda’s natural settings. Once you reach Kigali, you can visit local markets or enjoy a farewell meal before heading to the airport for your departure flight. This concluding day wraps up an enriching experience filled with wonderful memories and experiences in Rwanda’s remarkable habitats