Wildlife in Rwanda

Rwanda wildlife safaris mainly take place in three destinations: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park, each of which hosts quite different fauna from the others. Birdwatching aside, wildlife viewing opportunities outside these national parks are limited.

Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is best known for its population of mountain gorillas. This includes a dozen habituated groups, which can be seen during gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. Other wildlife includes the golden monkey (also endemic to the Albertine Rift), elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bushpig, bushbuck, and black-fronted duiker.

Around 200 bird species have been recorded in this national park, including Albertine Rift endemics. During a birdwatching safari here, you have the opportunity to spot the Grauer’s swamp warbler, scarlet-tufted sunbird, and Archer’s robin-chat.

Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the most biodiverse site in Rwanda. It protects at least 1,050 plant species, along with 85 mammals, 310 birds, 32 amphibians, and 38 reptile species. Thirteen primate species are present: chimpanzee, Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, owl-faced monkey, red-tailed monkey, Dent’s monkey, crowned monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, potto, and at least two species of bushbaby.

The only member of the Big Five in Nyungwe is the leopard, but they are very infrequently observed. Antelope include bushbuck and three types of duiker can also be seen while on safari here. The tree hyrax is a seldom-seen guinea pig-like animal whose blood-curdling screech is often heard at night.

Nyungwe is one of the top forest birdwatching sites in Africa and a must-visit for dedicated birdwatchers. A birding safari here can include sightings of the Albertine owlet, red-collared babbler, and Rockefeller’s sunbird.

Wildlife in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a more conventional African savannah reserve where all the Big Five might be seen. Buffaloes and elephants are most common, but leopards are observed with increasing frequency on night drives. Lions and black rhinos are also quickly growing in visibility.

Other wildlife includes Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, roan antelope, klipspringer, and the secretive semi-aquatic sitatunga.

Spotted hyena, genet, civet, white-tailed mongoose, bushbaby, elephant shrew, and various species of owl and nightjar are often seen on night drives. Around 480 bird species have been recorded in Akagera, and it’s particularly strong on raptors, waterbirds, and savannah and woodland species.