The Akanyaru river magnificently rises in the Rwanda and Burundi western higlands along the border of the two countries; the lower stretches of this river comprise wetlands, and the river basin covers an area of 2,650 square kilometers.
The Akanyaru river is the main tributary of the Nyabarongo river it flows east and then to the north before joining the Nyabarongo River. The Akanyaru River all starts in Burundi with the Mugere River with an elevation of 2,450 meters above sea level.
The surrounding villages depend on the Akanyaru river through fishing and cultivating, it’s sad that the marsh vegetation and swamps at the Akanyaru river are being destroyed through the use of poor farming methods. However, residents have been advised to use better farming methods in order to maintain sustainability for the next generations to come.
Akanyaru river is endowed with birdlife in its marshland vegetation boasting with Rich biodiversity. the number of bird species said to have been recorded is 54 species some of the examples of birds found here are; papyrus Gonolek, papyrus yellow warbler, Malagasy pond heron, great snipe, lesser flamingoes, pallid harrier, lesser krestel and many more the most commonly seen animal here is the Sitatunga antelope always roaming about the swamps. The river has been recorded as one of the most important bird areas.
Tourists can engage in fishing from the Akanyaru river or at the swamps the river is endowed with many fish species; you can go out fishing and later enjoy the catch from your respective hotel.
Boat cruising can also be enjoyed as you take in striking views from the stretching hills and low valleys with aquatic birds to be seen.
Tourists can also engage in cultural tours and visit the locals and learn how they have survived using the river’s resources for years. There are also handmade crafts from the river’s resources, like papyrus, that tourists can buy to take back home; this will contribute to the community earnings.
Akanyaru river rainfall is different from that of wetlands and upper-stream rivers; the wetlands receive an annual rainfall of 800 millimeters per year and the upper-stream area receives an annual rainfall of 1,209 millimeters.
The Akanyaru can be reached from Rwanda or Burundi depending on which country the tourists is in.
There are also accommodation units where tourists can sleep in good and comfortable rooms, having warm welcoming staff that will make you feel at home away from home.
River Akanyaru can be visited all year round and this can be a one day tour for an unforgettable Rwanda birding safari experience.
