Lake Rweru

Lake Rweru sits on Burundi's northern border with Rwanda, a shallow lake fringed with papyrus that drains into the Akagera and so into Lake Victoria and the Nile. Hippos live in it and waterbirds work the reed edges. Fishing communities on both shores use it. The country around is the hilly farmland typical of northern Burundi with almost every slope cultivated. The lake covers around a hundred square kilometres, about four-fifths of it on the Burundian side of the border. Papyrus islands drift on it and shift position with the wind.

What's there

• The papyrus fringe - the reed edge around much of the shore.
• The hippos - the animals living in the shallow water.
• The Nile connection - a lake draining toward the Akagera and Lake Victoria.
• The cultivated hills - the farmed slopes running down to the water.

When to go

June to September is the dry season. Water levels rise with the rains from October. Early morning is best for wildlife.

Practical notes

There is no visitor infrastructure of any kind. Hippos are dangerous and boats should keep clear. Carry identification near the border.

Nearby

Lake Cohoha is west, and Kirundo is southwest.

Key facts