Lake Rweru is shared by both Rwanda and Burundi, as it is located at the border separating the two countries. It is considered the starting point of the Nile, rising at the northern part of the lake. The lake has a surface area of 100 km² and a shoreline of about 76 km.
Since it is shallow in some parts, it was measured to have an average depth of about 2.1 meters, with the maximum depth being 3 meters, located on the Rwanda side.
There are tributaries that collect water from the lake, including River Kagera, which flows out of the lake in Burundi and runs east along Rwanda’s border until it joins River Ruvubu. The lake plays an important role in both countries by supporting their hydrology and ecology. Being shallow, the lake supports many fish species, benefiting local fishermen. It is also a home for different bird species.
Activities normally done around the lake include fishing, birding, and boat cruises, where visitors wear protective water gear before setting off to enjoy the different features around the lake.
After a long day, visitors can rest, and the next day, they can visit the local communities to learn about their way of life, culture, and traditions, helping them understand the true meaning of Africa.
Even though deep freezing is not widely available, fishermen still use local methods of preserving fish such as salting, smoking, and sun-drying, which keeps the fish safe for some days.
The recommended time to visit Lake Rweru is during the dry season when the vegetation has dried, making it easier to spot some animal species, enjoy cool weather, and travel on clear roads.
During the wet season, the lake may not be safe to visit, and the roads leading to the lake can be difficult.
The most interesting thing is that the lake is close to Kigali, the capital city, making it easy to plan a day trip.
There have been some health and security concerns related to bodies found floating in the lake, wrapped in plastic bags around Muyinga Province in 2014. Fishermen discovered the bodies.
Both countries denied responsibility, with Burundi claiming the bodies were citizens of Rwanda, while Rwanda also denied the allegations. This led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from the United States to take up the case to find out what really happened.
Lake Rweru, as pure as gold, invites you to flow by its waters for a memorable tour.
