Rugezi Swamp in Rwanda
Rugezi Swamp is an extensive beautiful wetland in Rwanda with rich biodiversity that has been recognized as an important bird area (IBA) by the Birdlife international and thus is a protected marsh area located within Buberuka highlands in the Northern Province of Rwanda to the east of Lake Burera, near Rwanda’s northern border with Uganda, after you have passed through Musanze where the Volcanoes National Park is found.
Rugezi Swamp wetland is considered a unique ecosystem situated at a vantage high altitude point of 2100 meters, the marsh drains its water into twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and also feeds its water into Ntaruka Hydro power station in Rwanda, it is also known as one of the tributary streams that form the source of Akagera river and the Nile.
The 20 kilometers long stretch of a large ground water catchment area of Rugezi marsh sits in an inundated valley surrounded by numerous hills, highlands and ridges. It is dominated by uniquely beautiful vegetation around the fringes and verdant flora that largely covers its flowing waters which makes for a dense mat, it also has an area of papyrus swamps near the outlet of its waters to the lake. The wetland is another interesting adventure area in Rwanda most ideal for Bird watching enthusiasts that rewards visitors with incredible encounters with abundant birdlife.
A wide range of avifauna has been located in this Rugezi swamp, 43 species of birds that call the marsh and its surrounding environment home have been recorded, there are also endangered species that have been spotted in the Rugezi swamp which include the Grey crowned crane, Papyrus Gonek, papyrus yellow warbler and the Grauer’s swamp warbler.
Interested bird watchers can visit the Rugezi swamp and be rewarded with sights of other commonly seen bird species which include the white winged scrub warbler, slender billed starling, papyrus canary, Carruthers’s cisticola, Baglafecht weaver, white collared weaver, olive back, thick billed seedeater among many other varieties.
Upon visiting Rugezi swamp, there are opportunities to meet with the locals and get to interact with the local indigenous people about their traditional life style, enjoy the beautiful landscapes in the village setting, there is also a chance to visit a nearest tea plantation for an amazing tea tour experience through the tea fields and the tea processing factory.
Tourists visiting Volcanoes National Park in Musanze for Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey trekking, Volcanoes hiking can also add a visit to Rugezi swamp to explore its beauty, enjoy sighting numerous bird species, there is also an option of including a visit to the tranquil twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo for a Canoe ride or Boat trip excursion just after your encounter with the mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes, that will reward you with amazing moments and stunning views of some of the dormant volcanoes that are part of Virunga ranges.
Reach out to us for a well arranged safari adventure in Volcanoes National Park as well as unique adventures that will take you off the beaten track for your safari in Rwanda.
