Birding at Hakuna Matata Lodge

Hakuna Matata is perfectly located on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu town and has a  private beach and a big lush garden that offers a quiet and calm place for birding and relaxing.

The beautiful garden attracts different bird species, and to date, 31 species have been recorded. Amongst them are the Hamerkop, White-browed Coucal, and Scarlet-chested Sunbird. The Lodge also offers boat tours, and you can spot fisher birds, such as the Pied and Malachite Kingfishers and the Great Cormorant.

We also offer other activities, such as hiking to Mount Rubavu,  from where you can have an amazing view of Gisenyi town, the airport and the stadium, Goma town in DRC, and Lake Kivu at the same time. Also, within 20 minutes you can participate in the farm-to-cup tea processing experience offered by Pfunda Tea Factory.

From the Lodge, you can drive to the Gishwati-Mukura National Park in under an hour. The Park is home to more than 100 bird species, including 20 Albertine Rift endemics. You can also drive to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkey and other natural attractions, within an hour.

In four hours, you can visit the Nyungwe National Park, which hosts more than 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics and the quasi-endemic Red-collared Mountain Babbler. The Park also offers other unique attractions, such as the Canopy walkway, waterfalls, hiking, Chimpanzee tracking.

We have trained and experienced birdwatching guides who can also offer other guiding experiences. Should you be interested, please contact our reception for more information. 

Our birdwatching checklist offers you a glimpse of the diverse species of birds you can find in our Lodge.