Birding at Rugezi Marsh wetland : Rugezi Swamp is an extensive beautiful wetland in Rwanda with rich biodiversity that has been recognized as an important bird area (IBA) by the Birdlife international in 2001 and thus the wetland is one of the headwaters of the Nile situated in the northern province within Buberuka highlands to the east of Lake Burera, near Rwanda’s northern border with Uganda.
Rugezi Swamp wetland is considered a unique ecosystem seating at high altitude point of 2100 meters, the marsh drains its water into twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and also supplies its water into Ntaruka Hydro power station in Rwanda, it is also popularly known as one of the tributary streams that form the source of Akagera River and the Nile.
The flora of Rugezi Marsh wetland
The 6,735-hectare Swamp is marked by beautiful vegetation around its edges and a number of unique Wetland plant species that blanket its flowing waters thus creating a unique dense mat. Some of the must-see plant species include Papyrus sedge (or Cyperus papyrus), Silvergrass (Miscanthus or Miscanthidium violaceum), and Cyperus latifolius among others that offer habitants to different birds species.
Bird species within Rugezi Marsh wetland
Rugezi Swamp is one of the renowned Important Bird Areas in Rwanda with over 43 resident Bird species including the endangered species, which occupy the swamp and its surrounding Afrotropical highland Biomes. There are a number of Globally-Threatened and species of least concern such as the Grey crowned crane, Papyrus Gonek, papyrus yellow warbler, Grauer’s swamp warbler, white winged scrub warbler, slender billed starling, papyrus canary, Carruthers’s cisticola, Baglafecht weaver, white collared weaver, olive back, thick billed seedeater among many other varieties.
Other things to do around the wetland
Travelers can also visit the nearby famous Volcanoes national park for its unique mountain gorilla trekking safari, Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity in volcanoes national park where visitors gets an opportunity to move on foot into the tropical rainforest in hunt for habituated mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to be followed during trekking. After the briefing, you will start the trekking in the forest which takes about 2 hours to 6 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located since naturally they move from one place to another in hunt for food. During trekking, you will be able to spot other primates species and the vegetation and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment where you will be able to learn about their habits, behaviors, how the carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, record videos and take pictures to show people back home
Golden monkey trekking; Volcanoes national park is one of the two national parks in east African where golden monkey trekking and spotting is safe and possible, such national park includes Mgahinga national park in Uganda situated in the southwest province of the country. Golden monkeys are unique and endangered monkey species. Because the monkeys feed on the lower slopes of the mountain, which are fairly accessible, golden monkey tracking is less difficult than gorilla tracking. The permit foe trekking this marvelous apes cost USD 100.
Dian Fossey Tomb hike; The Dian Fossey trail is located in the valley between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. It starts from the base of Mt. Bisoke and goes to the interment place and the research station, Karisoke, of famous researcher Dian Fossey who devoted her life to studying and advocating for the protection of the mountain gorillas and their habitat in Rwanda and the neighboring countries. The Dian Fossey trail offers a wonderful trek with astonishing views of the mountains and exclusive mountain vegetation such as orchids and an opportunity to encounter the mountain gorillas. The Dian Fossey trail offers a less energetic hike. Hiking the entire trail takes abbot 3-4 hours to complete the trek.
There are also other opportunities to meet with the locals and get to interact with their local indigenous community about their traditional life style , enjoy the beautiful landscape in the village settings and also there is a chance of visiting the nearest tea plantation for an amazing tea tour experience through the tea fields and their tea processing factory, also opportunities of undertaking boat tours on twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, Musanze Cave tours , hiking the volcano, guided tours through Buhanga Eco park among others.
What to pack for a birding safari in Kigali
When planning to go birding in Kigali city, there essentials to consider on your birding safari adventure in Kigali city such as birds guidebook good pair of hiking boots, a pair of binoculars, a water bottle, energy snacks, a camera and extra batteries, a portable voice recorder, a birding guide and checklist, insect repellant and sunscreen, hat/cap, long sleeved shirts and trousers among others.
Why take a bird guide on this Safari
In order to have a successful and enjoyable birding safari, it is mandatory to have a well experienced and knowledgeable birding sites as this increases your opportunities of seeing a number of less common species. These guides are very knowledgeable of the exact places where you can go to enjoy better views of the bird species within these wetlands
You may choose to hire one of the local guides who are similarly very knowledgeable about the birds in this area. Through offering these services they are able to earn a living and that way you will be indirectly helping a Rwandan family. We as Achieve Global Safaris carefully choose our guides so be guaranteed of a great and enjoyable birding Safari during your stay in Rwanda.
The best time to go for birding in Rugezi Marsh wetland.
Bird watching in the swamp is done throughout the year. However, the best period to watch birds in their breeding down is from December to February. This is also the time of year when migrating birds, particularly Eurasian and Palearctic migrants, visit Rwanda’s diverse range of habitats.
Other Places to enjoy a Birding Safari
Although Rwanda is a small country, it has more than 750 species including several endemic species. And these can be seen in the different parts of the country thanks to the different habitats including swamps, Albertine Rift montane forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands as well as grassland plains plus number of grasslands up in the hills in which they thrive.
So other places to enjoy a birding safari including Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Kigali city, the Albertine Eco-region, Volcanoes National Park and several other swamps and wetlands across the country.
