Different bird species in Akagera National Park resides in and around Lakes, Savannah and woodlands. With over 550 unique bird species making Akagera a birders’ paradise in Rwanda. They come in varied species, unique colors, sizes and shapes and while on birding safari, you have about 50 percent to sighting variety of them.
The birds to identify in Akagera National Park include the African fish eagle-that has the same appearance like that of American bald eagle, black headed weaver-can easily be spotted because of its bright yellow color, big red eyes and black hood; African jacana-commonly spotted around freshwater ponds and lakes.
Don’t miss the lilac breasted roller, fork tailed drongo, saddle billed stork, white browed coucal, white faced whistling duck, long crested eagle, African grey hornbill, palm nut vulture, cattle egret, woodland kingfisher, little bee-eater, grey crowned crane, helmeted guinea fowl, marabou stork, bare faced go away bird, goliath heron, spur winged goose, African darter, osprey, long tailed cormorant, pin tailed whydah, red billed fire finch, white backed vultures, grey backed fiscal, common squacco heron, blue cheeked bee-eater, crowned lapwing, eastern grey plantain eater to mention but a few.
Birds in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is not only a home to big five African game but also a major habitat to over 550 unique bird species. The Park is found in northeastern Rwanda at the border with Tanzania and extends up to 1,122 square kilometres. It was established in 1934 to offer refuge to its diverse wildlife species including variety of bird of Akagera species. With over 550 bird species, Akagera National Park is a true birder’s paradise and for any plans to visit Rwanda, count it a must to visit and you won’t be left in regrets.
Bird species in Akagera National Park are best spotted while on bird watching tour, walk the Nile, boat cruise, guided game drives and others. Other wildlife in Akagera National Park in addition to over 550 bird species include the big five African game elephant encounter, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos in Akagera National Park as well as giraffes, zebras, hyenas, antelopes and many others.
Best time for bird watching in Akagera National Park
Bird watching in Akagera National Park can be done any time of the year. What is significant is that every season in Akagera National Park rewards birders with distinct bird species. The dry season which starts in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February rewards birders with astonishing bird sights of francolins and several wetland birds, owls, nightjars. The wet season especially around October is perfect for you to spot out lapwings and several grassland avifaunal species. From February to July, is breeding period for most of darters, herons, storks, cormorants whereas most migratory birds visit the park from November to April.
Other places in Rwanda for birding opportunities include, Nyungwe forests a home to an abundant array of unique and captivating Nyungwe bird life, even on our doorstep. Along with our specialist guide, you’ll be taken to the periphery of the National Park to spot and learn about the most prolific, iconic and rare species, so get your cameras ready!