Exploring the Lakes and Waterways of Rwanda: The Republic of Rwanda also known as ‘the Land of Thousand Hills’ over its gorgeous mountainous landscapes, rainforests, and wildlife. However, another important natural resource is the attractive and picturesque water reservoirs in this country. Some of them are sources of water for the immediate populations and others are areas where tourists may go for solitude, recreation, and wildlife observation. Free from crocodiles and hippos, the lakes and rivers in Rwanda are for both leisure and exciting water activities.
Lake Kivu: Rwanda’s Biggest and Most Popular Lake
Lake Kivu located in Rwanda and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contains water, a notable tourist attraction in Rwanda. Stretching over an area of 2,700 sq km, this is one of the prettiest freshwater lakes situated at the foothills of some of the most gorgeous mountain ranges of Parbat. The surrounding water in Lake Kivu is not dangerous with no vicious predators such as crocodiles or hippos in the water hence safe water activities.
Perhaps for tourists chasing after the sundowners, there is no better place than the shores of Lake Kivu where one can have a quiet time in any of the towns that surround the lake namely Gisenyi, Kibuye, or Cyangugu. These towns will have rudimentary to first-grade hotels, and lodges that give exceptional views of some parts of the lake. On shallower parts of the water, tourists can enjoy a boat ride, go to some smaller islands, or go on a leisurely trip to places such as the Island of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Trekking lovers also have an excellent opportunity to complete several adventurous water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing on Lake Kivu. The sheltered waters of the lake and picturesque surroundings offer an ideal opportunity for kayaking, which provides tourists with the possibility to determine the tour along the coast and the vicinity of small islands.
Water Transport and Island Adventure
For instance, tours specializing in boat trips on Lake Kivu are one way of enjoying the wonderful sights on the lake. Some of the boat operators who provide the trips include Napoleon Island, an island full of wildlife, The Amahoro Island. Napoleon Island has a rather peculiar name for it resembles Napoleon Bonaparte’s hat and the island is home to a considerable number of fruit bats. As much as this is true, a visit to this island will make one catch sight of hundreds of bats hanging aloft on trees on the island.
Amahoro Island is the name given to a calm area for tourists with features such as picnics, swimming, and beautiful views over mountains. This island is something like a paradise on earth: it is not noisy, and it is covered with thick forests.
For those who would wish to spend more time out, there are available, multi-day kayaking trips that take you through and around the shores of Lake Kivu giving a close view of fishing villages and the lives of the people there.
Lake Muhazi: A Tranquil Escape
Lake Muhazi is an elongated small lake situated in the eastern part of the country and is shared by several districts. Some of the attractions that it has include; The place enjoys the reputation of being the perfect place for the vacation goers as it has calm water and less crowds. Because it is located near Kigali, the lake is perfect for a day’s excursion or even a weekend visit.
Fishing and bird watching are the major activities that are most liked by people in Lake Muhazi. Quite a few fish species are found in the lake and many fishermen are always found along the shores of the lake fishing for fish, including tilapia. Fishermen can use the boats to go fishing or the public may just relax around the lake fishing zone.
It is also a birding site since different water bird species call the lake their home. Some of the birds that can be viewed around this lake include Herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. For tourists interested in seeing the avian life of the region, bird-watching tours are provided.
On the shores of this lake, there are many lodges and resorts offering decent accommodation near the lake. The days can be spent boating, fishing, or getting in a bit of swimming in the lake; followed by a night around the fire at the lodge.
Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo: Hidden Gems of the North
In northern Rwanda, near the towering Volcanoes National Park, lie two of the country’s most beautiful yet lesser-known lakes: The two beautiful lakes that are nearby include; Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. These twin lakes nestled among the Virunga Mountains are probably some of the most beautiful in the entire Rwandese territory. Their crystal-clear waters lighter shades of blue, and the green hills surrounding them and black volcanic rocks, make it an even more eye-appealing area.
Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are perfect for the visitor who wishes to go off the usual tourist circuit. Though much less promoting tourism like Lake Kivu, the lakes’ wildness, and calmness for those who like spending their holidays staying close to nature. There are also possibilities for fishing, canoeing, and bird watching since several kinds of birds nest in the lakes and swamps around.
Nyabarongo River: Rwanda’s Longest River
Another important waterway for explorations is Rwanda’s longest River known as Nyabarongo. Starting at Nyungwe Forest in southwest Rwanda, the river traverses, valleys, and wetlands and onto the eastern border, joining the Akagera River on the border of Tanzania. Nyabarongo River is one of the sources of water in Rwanda and habitat for both birds and other wildlife.
They also found wetlands along the riverbank ideal for birding since many bird species use the habitat along the river. Bird watchers can also launch special boat cruises along the river for elegant sightings of the papyrus gonolek, the shoebill stork, and the fish eagle. The river also produces some types of fish, and it is not unusual to find some fishermen fishing beside the river.
Conclusion
Although tourists associate RW with mountain gorillas and its various parks, RW has much more to offer rich and diverse waters and water bodies. For the adventurous or for leisure, Rwandan’s water bodies are packed with the different experiences that define the country. More specifically, Rwanda’s water tourism potential ranges between quiet sailing on Africa’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Kivu, and thrilling white water rafting on the comparatively tamer, Rusizi River.
