Birding at La Bella Resort

Situated around 7km from Gisenyi town, La Bella Resort is a peaceful and quiet resort with a private beach, camping and birdwatching facilities, and a beautiful green garden with native Acacia and Ficus trees.

To date, 41 bird species have been recorded in our garden, like the Yellow-billed Kite and Bronze Sunbird, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Thick-billed Seed-eater, and fisher birds like the Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, Great Cormorant and several species of Weavers.

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 at La Bella.