Explore the Kagera River – History, Wildlife & Scenic Views in Rwanda

The Kagera River, also called Akagera or Alexandra Nile, begins in Burundi and flows out of Lake Rweru. It continues along the borders of Rwanda-Burundi and Rwanda-Tanzania, where it joins the Ruvubu River.

This water source starts at Lake Rweru in Rwanda and stretches about 597 kilometers. It is fed by the Nyabarongo River of Rwanda, which fills Lake Rweru, and the Ruvubu River of Burundi. The first European known to see this river was Richard Kandt in 1898.

In 1899, the German explorer Gustav Adolf von Gotzen crossed the river at Rusumo Falls, opening the way for the colonial era in Rwanda. Later, the Belgians defeated the Germans and entered Rwanda through the same route.

The history of the Kagera River is well known, especially during the 1994 genocide, when many bodies were dumped into the river. The river flows all the way to Lake Victoria, causing concern in parts of Uganda as some bodies were washed ashore.

After a short break near the confluence, the Kagera River flows north along the Rwanda-Tanzania border over Rusumo Falls and through Akagera National Park. It then moves east along the Tanzania-Uganda border before emptying into Lake Victoria. The river is the largest single source of water flowing into Lake Victoria, adding about 6.4 billion cubic meters of water each year.

The river is famous for its fish. Around 2001, there were at least 55 fish species, including 15 unknown types of haplochromine cichlids found only in some lakes in the upper river basin.

However, recently parts of the Akagera River have dried up, making it harder for fish to move and reducing the number of fish caught throughout the year.

Despite its rich history, many Rwandans feel sadness when they see the river. It reminds them of the many people who were killed there during the genocide, including political moderates. Some bodies were recovered and buried properly, but others floated downstream into Uganda, causing health risks.

The Akagera area is also home to many lakes surrounded by green landscapes that impress most visitors.

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