Rwihinda Lake Nature Reserve

Rwihinda Lake Nature Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Burundi located in the northern region and of the lakes to see on a safari to Burundi. The lake and surrounding area are protected with some of the most unique wildlife attractions. There are ponds, woodlands, and shrubs all across, with the shrubland covering a large are. While the remainder is used for nature conservation studies, whereas the other is used for agriculture and fishing.

The area is situated in the town of Kirundo, close to the Rwandan border. The lake alone makes up half of the 8000 hectares of the Rwihinda natural reserve, that was formerly known as the Lac aux Oiseaux, which means the bird lake (425 hectares). The natural reserve has over 30% occupied by forests, with the remaining portion being covered by dense shrubs and wetlands, despite being well known for agriculture and fishing villages. Part of the reserve isused for research into medicinal plants and herbs, as well as for environmental protection.

What is Lake Rwihinda Nature Reserve popular for?

The primary draw of the lakeside is birdwatching because the coastlines serves as vital bird nesting grounds. The northern brown-throated weaver Sharpe’s pied-babbler, papyrus gonolek, white-winged scrub-warbler, white-collared olive back, red-chested sunbird, papyrus yellow warbler, Carruther’s cisticola, red-faced barbet, and ring-necked francolin are just a few of the birds found in this Rwihinda nature reserve.

Thousands of migratory aquatic birds visit Lake Rwihinda Natural Reserve in Burundi to breed, making it a true haven for these migratory bird species. More and more of these now-protected birds are able to build their nests on the lake’s lush wetlands and islands. There, herons and crested cranes have tranquil lives. Barges allow visitors to approach a variety of bird species without running the danger of scaring them.

Accessing Lkae Rwihinda Nature Reserve

Rwihinda Nature Reserve is a 4-hour trip from Bujumbura, Burundi’s capital City, for visitors using 4×4 wheel vehicles. About 210 kilometers of breathtaking scenery with stunning views of the agricultural slopes make up Burundi.

Where to stay on a safari to Rwihinda Nature Reserve Burundi?

Travelers can stay in Kirundo town that is located near the border with Rwanda and some of the budget safari options include Rama hotel and Kigozi guest house.

What is the best time to visit Burubdi?

Burundi can be visited anytime of the year, although some months are better than others. the dry season is the best time to visit Burundi for a safari to Lake Rwindi Nature Reserve. this is because this time is chatacterised by little or no rains that could interupt safari activities, thus making a great and a successful safari to Burundi. Where as budget travellers can travel during the rainy season when most of the lodges have reduced accommodation fees due low numbers of travelers.

This time is characterized by rainfalls that can be experience at anytime of the day thus making it quite difficult to do safari activities without any inconveniences. You are advised to carry along with raincoats, waterproof shoes, sunscreens, long sleaved shirts, trousers, waterproof backpack, mosquito repellents among others.