Rwanda celebrates its Birdlife at Britain’s National Birdfair

RDB/Tourism & Conservation, August 2009



London, England– August 24, 2009 – Visitors to this year’s British Birdfair in Rutland discovered the wonders of Rwanda’s birds, from the Great Blue Turaco to the most sought after Shoebill stork. The Rwanda Development Board/Tourism and Conservation were showcasing Rwanda as a birdwatching destination, from the 21-23 August 2009.

Rwanda, located in Central Africa in the Albertine Rift, is a verdant country of fertile and hilly terrain, home to over 670 species of birds of which 44 endemic species only found in Rwanda. Though famed for its big game and primates like the mountain gorillas, Rwanda boasts fascinating wildlife that will appeal to all nature-loving tourists. In particular, its unique avian wildlife makes this an ideal destination for bird lovers. It is projected that by 2012, Rwanda will generate 11,000,000 USD from birding.

The various hot spots for birdwatching in Rwanda include Kigali, Nyungwe, Akagera and Volcanoes National Parks, Cyamudongo Forest, Buhanga Eco-park, Rugezi Swamp, Nyabarongo Wetlands, Akanyaru Wetlands and Lake Kivu Islands. Some of the highlights of Rwanda’s birdlife to be found in the country’s rolling hills, rugged mountains, swamps and lakes include:
The most sought Shoebill stork, which has made a home for itself in the wetlands of Akagera National Park in the eastern part of the country - one of the densest concentrations of waterbirds on the continent.
The outlandish Great Blue Turaco, a popular highlight of western part of the country.
The rare Ring-necked Francolin, that have also made their home in Akagera
The not-to-be-missed fish eagles, asserting their status as the avian monarchs of Africa’s waterways
African Bird Club describes Nyungwe National Park as the only place in Africa where the Red-collared Mountain Babbler can be seen in safety. If the amazing avian wildlife were not enough, there are also 13 primate species including man’s closest living relative; the chimpanzee

To raise awareness of the importance of birds, a Birding Association was set-up, bringing together all bird lovers from both the Government and private sector, working closely with the Tourism Board. For more information on the Association, please email us at karibu at kariburwanda.com

Emmanuel Werabe from the Rwanda Development Board/ Tourism and Conservation commented, “We’re excited to have travelled to the UK to showcase our country’s unique birdlife. Whether you’re a seasoned bird-watcher, an intrepid mountaineer or a curious culture-seeker, there really is something for everyone in Rwanda. We were able to meet birdwatchers that are keen to expand their horizons and tour operators who will add Rwanda onto their circuits.”

Described as the birdwatcher's Glastonbury, Birdfair encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. With hundreds of stands selling the latest products for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as lectures, quizzes and book-launches, this is the event of the year for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.