Explore River Nyabarongo : Nyabarongo River also known as Nyawarungu is Rwanda’s main river, it makes a section of the upper Nile. It stenches for about 297 kilometers approximately 184 miles which makes it the longest River in Rwanda and it starts its course at the confluence of the Mbirurume and Mwogo River southwest. The 2 rivers start from Nyungwe Forest and Nyabarongo flows northwards at least 85 kilometers-53 miles and makes the border between the western and southern Provinces.

In the convergence with Mukungwa River, Nyabarongo River interchanges its course and runs eastward for about 12 kilometers about 7.5 miles, to southeast it springs for about 200 kilometers. The longest course of this River shapes a border between the northern and southern region and between the Kigali capital and the southern region, and finally between Kigali and the Eastern region.

The combined river flows east and then southeast through a broad, swampy valley. At the border with Burundi it drains lakes Rweru. It then flows roughly east along the border between Rwanda and Burundi, then between Rwanda and Tanzania to the point where it is joined by the river Ruvubu . From there onward it is called the Kagera River, the main affluent of Lake Victoria, which drains into the Nile.  The river drains the east of the mountains and most of the central plateau of Rwanda.

Right after being joined by the Akanyaru, the combined river meanders east and then south through a complex of lakes and wetlands in a flat valley running in a South-South East side , within a width of about 35 kilometers, which it floods to create a zone of permanent swamps and lakes. Lake Mugesera lies on the east bank of the river, and is the largest Rwandan lake in the complex. Lakes Birara and Sake also lie along the left bank of the river. The lakes on the right bank, from north to south which include Kilimbi, Rumira, Gaharwa, Kidogo, Maravi and Gashanga. Lake Rweru which mostly lies in Burundi, drains in a northeast direction into the river through a short swampy section

Originally, Nyabarongo River starts from southwestern Rwanda covering the eastern side of Lake Kivu. Its sources rise in the mountain chain which covers the western 3rd of Rwanda and to the east of the Albertine rift. The major headwaters in Rwanda originating at heights of 2600 to 2750 meters include the River Mbirurume and Mwogo. Its longest streams which supply the Mwogo is Rukarara that rise in the Nyungwe Forest. Rukarara flows south and later to the east and then pours its water to River Mwogo which also flows north joining the Mbirurume River south of Bwakira. Rukarara source is a contender for the entire source of the mighty Nile which features as the most distant headwater

Although close to the equator, the climate is comparatively temperate due to the elevation. The rainy seasons are from March to May and again from September to December. In the upper reaches of the wetlands the forest is only flooded seasonally.  River Nyabarongo has a diverse fish species , aquatic bird species and common plants such as Ficus Verruculosa, Myrica Kandtiana, Cyperus Papyrus and Phoieenix Reclinata  there are many water bird species, such as Grey Crowned Crane, Carruther’s Cisticola, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Sharpe’s Pied Babbler, White Winged Scrub Warbler, Northern Brown Throated Papyrus Gonolek, White Collared Olive Back, Papyrus Canary, Malagasy Pond Heron in this River including other water turtles, Monitors, Sitatunga, Snakes, Crocodiles, Otters and others. This river covers an area of about 142.62 square kilometers.

Things to do at Nyabarongo River

Bird watching in Nyabarongo Wetlands; the Nyabarongo River feeds a dozen lakes and numerous swamps, creating a vast wetland. the wetland is ranked as  one  of the Rwanda’s seven important bird watching area , while at a safari here , you will get an opportunity to spot  over 40-50 different  wonderful  aquatic birds species including swamp dwellers like the northern brown throated papyrus Gonolek and papyrus yellow warbler, grey crowned crane, carruther’s Cisticola, Sharpe’s pied babbler, white winged scrub warbler, white collared olive back, papyrus canary, Malagasy pond heron in this River including other water turtles, monitors, Sitatunga, snakes, crocodiles, otters and others.

Explore the Wetlands; The Nyabarongo River Wetlands cover a significant area and are home to diverse flora and fauna, you will also get a chance to have a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, observe the wildlife, and enjoy the serene surroundings while keeping an eye out for waterfowl, reptiles, and other wetland species.

Explore River Nyabarongo
Explore River Nyabarongo

Photography and Nature Observation; the wetlands provide excellent opportunities for photography and nature observation. While at exploring beauty of the wetland, you will also get an opportunity to capture the beauty of the landscape, the reflections in the water, and the unique bird species while learning more about the delicate balance of ecosystems in this wetland habitat.

Visit Lake Rumira; this is a new construction of a surfaced access road and the opening of an attractive resort on Lake Rumira have made this area more accessible to tourists. Here you will enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding, relax by the lake, and perhaps spot some wild species.

For you to enjoy unforgettable adventure safaris within Nyabarongo River, you are required to visit with a qualified local guide who is very knowledgeable of the bird species of the area. Some of the things to carry include a camera, binoculars, a long trousers and long shirts to protect yourself from any vegetation, strong waterproof hiking boots since you’ll be walking through wetland areas, carrying enough drinking water to enable you stay hydrated and finally Follow the guidance of your local guide and respect the natural environment among others

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