Birding at Red Rocks

Red Rocks Initiative offers a spacious and friendly backpackers’ hostel, campsite and cultural centre. Surrounded by rolling hills, farmlands and its lush garden comprising a mix of native and exotic trees, the accommodation attracts various birdlife. A day of birding yielded 33 bird species, including the Yellow Bishop, African Citril, Tropical Boubou, and the Red-eyed Dove.

The accommodation is situated in an ideal location. You can reach the Buhanga Eco-park, a remnant forest with more than 100 bird species and a stopover of the intra-African migrant “African Pitta” in 10 minutes. In an hour, you can drive to the Gishwati-Mukura National Park, home to more than 100 birds species, including 20 Albertine Rift endemics. While, in 30 minutes, you can drive to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkey and other natural attractions. Similarly, in half an hour, you can visit the twin lakes and, in one hour, the Rugezi Marsh, which hosts the White-winged Swamp Warbler and the endangered Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.

At Red Rocks, birders can also experience the Rwandan culture and support the local communities by participating in the community-based tourism activities they offer, such as traditional farming activities, basket weaving, pottery making, milking, banana beer production and homestay.

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 Red Rocks.