Birding in Akagera National Park: Papyrus Swamps, Lakes and Savannah Birds

Most visitors to Rwanda come for gorillas in the volcanoes or chimpanzees in the forest, but Akagera adds a very different kind of birding. Wide lakes and papyrus-fringed channels run along the park, and rolling hills of acacia and woodland rise behind them. Wetland birds, raptors and ground birds are all visible with relatively little effort.

This guide sets out the habitats, the notable birds, the best seasons and the ways to birdwatch, including boat trips on the lakes and drives on the plains. It also explains how to combine Akagera with other Rwandan birding stops.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Habitats and Their Birds

Spending time in more than one habitat is the key to a good list. The lakes are best in the morning and late afternoon, when birds feed and light is soft, and the plains suit the middle of the day if you scan for raptors.

Wetland and Papyrus Birds

The papyrus fringes hold some of Akagera's most sought-after birds. Papyrus gonolek, a boldly marked shrike of reedbeds, is among the species that birders hope to see, and the wetlands are also associated with the shoebill, a rare and strikingly large bird that is occasionally reported and never guaranteed. African jacanas walk across floating vegetation, and herons, egrets, storks and kingfishers fish along the margins. See the saddle-billed stork profile and kingfisher profile for related species.

Savannah and Woodland Birds

On the open ground and in the woodland, look for southern ground hornbill, secretary bird, crowned crane and lilac-breasted roller. Souza's shrike, a bird of miombo-type woodland, is another speciality for keen birders, and Arnott's chat and various barbets reward patience. Eagles and other raptors soar above the hills, and vultures gather wherever there is a carcass. See the crowned crane profile and ground hornbill profile.

Best Months to Visit

Birds can be seen throughout the year, but the dry seasons make tracks easy and concentrate animals near water. Migrants from Europe and Asia add variety from roughly November to April, while the breeding season for many residents coincides with the rains. Conditions vary from year to year, so ask your guide what has been active. See Akagera best time to visit and Rwanda best time to visit for the wider picture.

How to Bird Akagera

Boat trips on the lake are the best way to see waterbirds at close range, and morning departures give the best light. On land, guided drives with frequent stops allow you to scan plains and woodland edges. Ask your guide to concentrate on the habitats where your target species live, and keep voices low near water. Night drives may reveal owls and nightjars, subject to park rules. See Akagera game drives, boat trips and night safaris.

Photography and Practical Tips

Boats offer an eye-level view that helps photographers, though movement means you need a fast shutter speed. A long lens suits skittish waterbirds, and the plains give good light in the early morning. Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars. Read the Akagera National Park guide and the Akagera wildlife guide for context, and use Kigali to Akagera for the journey.

Combining Akagera With Other Birding

Akagera pairs well with the forest birding of Nyungwe and the montane species of Volcanoes National Park. A Rwanda birding trip can run from savannah and wetlands to rainforest and mountains. See the Rwanda birding itinerary for a suggested sequence and where to stay in Akagera for types of accommodation.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team