Birding on Lake Kivu: Shoreline, Islands and Hillside Birds

The lake runs along Rwanda's western edge, with towns such as Rubavu, Kibuye and Rusizi at intervals along the road. The shoreline is a patchwork of reeds, small beaches, rocky headlands and gardens, and hills rise sharply behind. Birds use every layer, from the water to the hilltops.

This is a gentle birding destination. You can sit on a terrace with binoculars, take a boat out at sunrise or follow a hillside path, and it works well as a rest after gorilla trekking or as a prelude to Nyungwe. The guide below explains where to look and what to expect.

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 Around the Lake

The variety is compact, so you can see several habitats within a short distance. Early light on the water is the best time for birds that fish, and gardens come alive soon afterwards.

Birds of the Water

Look for African fish eagles calling from the shore trees, long-tailed cormorants drying their wings on rocks, and pied and malachite kingfishers hovering or perching over the shallows. Herons and egrets stalk along the edge, and swallows and swifts skim the surface. Migrants such as wagtails and terns pass through in the northern winter. Boat trips offer the closest views, so ask for a quiet engine and slow speeds near birds. See the fish eagle profile and kingfisher profile for background.

Gardens and Hillsides

Terraced slopes and lodge gardens are well populated. Sunbirds visit flowering plants, weavers weave their nests in tall trees, and robin-chats sing in the shade. Hillsides give open views over the lake, which helps with spotting raptors and swifts. If your accommodation has a garden, a pre-breakfast walk can be one of the best birding sessions of your stay. See the sunbird profile and weaver profile.

Best Months to Visit

Birds are present throughout the year. Dry months make boat trips more pleasant and paths firmer, while rains bring greenery, breeding and sometimes heavy mist on the hills. Migrants from Europe and Asia add variety from about November to April. See the Rwanda birding calendar and Rwanda best time to visit for the wider picture.

How to Bird the Lake

The simplest approach is to base yourself at one town and explore on foot and by boat. Ask your host or guide for local knowledge about fishing communities and quiet coves. Keep a respectful distance from nests and avoid disturbing fishing activity. Swim only in places that are known to be safe, and follow local advice on boats. See the Lake Kivu guide for the main towns and the Lake Kivu itinerary for how to spend several days here.

Towns and Where to Base Yourself

Each lakeside town has a different feel. Rubavu is the northern base and sits within reach of the volcanoes, Kibuye offers islands and quiet coves, and Rusizi in the south sits close to Nyungwe. See Rubavu, Kibuye and the Kigali to Kibuye route for details of getting there and accommodation types.

Combining the Lake With Other Stops

The lake is a natural rest stop between the volcanoes and the forests. A typical sequence runs from Volcanoes National Park to the lake and on to Nyungwe, with an optional stop at Gishwati-Mukura. Allow at least two nights on the lake so that you have time for an early boat trip and a relaxed garden session as well as travel.

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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