River Nyabarongo 

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 regions 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 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 sectio.

Nyabarongo River

Originally, the 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 that supply the Mwogo is Rukarara which rises 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 wetland, 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 Papyru, and Phoieenix Reclinata there are many water bird species, such as Grey Crowned CraneCarruthers’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, Otter,s 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 one of Rwanda’s seven important bird-watching areas, at a safari here, you will get an opportunity to spot over 40-50 different wonderful aquatic bird species including swamp dwellers like the northern brown-throated papyrus Gonolek and papyrus yellow warbler, grey crowned crane, Carruthers 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.

Photography and Nature Observation

The wetlands provide excellent opportunities for photography and nature observation. While exploring the 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 has made this area more accessible to tourists. Here you will enjoy the scenic views of the surroundings, relax by the lake, and perhaps spot some wild species.

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