Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve in Burundi

Situated in the northern part of the Republic of Burundi, Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve is one of the most important and common destinations in Burundi especially to the holiday makers. This protected area boasts a variety of unique attractions especially the fauna and flora species. It is encompassed by the forest, shrubs and the wetlands and the shrubs cover the largest part of it.

Agriculture near the lake

Part of Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve is used for different economic activities like agriculture and fishery while another part is used for research of nature conservation. It is located on the border with Rwanda in a town known as Kirundo. Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve covers an area of approximately 8000ha and the lake alone covers approximately 425ha which is almost half of the entire reserve area. Although the area of the reserve is mostly known for the fishing villages and agriculturists, it is also about 30% under forests and the rest of the area is under the thick shrubs and wetlands and then part of it is under nature conservation and research in different things like the medicinal plants, herbs and others.

Wildlife of Rwihinda Natural reserve

Bird species of the reserve

Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve is one of the important destinations in the Republic of Burundi which is good for birds. The natural reserve is a home to a number of species of birds both migratory and resident birds. Among these include the Northern Brown throated weaver, Sharpe’s pied babbler, white winged scrub warbler, white collared olive back, Red chested sunbird, ring necked francolin, red faced barbet, carruthers’s Cisticola, papyrus Gonolek, papyrus yellow warbler and many others.

Crested cranes on the lake.

Lake Rwihinda Natural reserve is one of the best sites for sighting the migratory aquatic birds which come in large numbers to reproduce. All these birds find a peaceful home along the green swamps and islets of the lake. Also during a visit to the reserve, spot the crested cranes and herons that live on the site peacefully.

How to access the natural reserve

To access Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve easily, pass through Kigali International airport which takes only one hour drive while crossing the border.

Kigali International airport