Wetlands

Rwanda’s wetlands and marshes cover around 10% of the country. Rugezi, Akanyaru Wetlands and Nyabarongo Wetlands have been declared Important Bird Areas by Birdlife International.
Rugezi Marsh, located in north west Rwanda near Gicumbi, is Rwanda’s only RAMSAR Site and is home to good populations of Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and also supports Grey-crowned Cranes, Papyrus Canary and there have been reports of Papyrus Yellow Warbler from here. At the south end of the marsh there is an area of open water called Lake Nyagafunzo, a boat ride here is great for seeing some of the more common waterbirds in the country and the possibility of White-backed Duck and Lesser Jacana.
The wetlands and lakes of Bugesera District to the south-east of Kigali offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. There is a diversity of habitats and some 415 bird species have been recorded in this region. Several sites offer good chances to observe Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, Lesser Jacana, and White-backed Duck. The latter two species were rediscovered in Rwanda in 2014 after a long period with no confirmed sightings. In addition, Red-chested Sunbird, Palm Nut Vulture, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, numerous waterbirds and savannah species can be seen in this area.