Adventuring through Spectacular Waterfalls in Rwanda
Adventuring through Spectacular Waterfalls in Rwanda: Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and is an amazing country with beautiful sceneries, culture, and wildlife. Although the country boasts of mountain gorillas and its national parks, one of the best marvels of nature that are often overlooked are the stunning waterfalls found in the region. Starting from the powerful spays of Rwanda’s waterfall, through the calm flows, located deep into the forests, waterfall tourism is one of the thrilling experiences any tourist who loves nature, hiking or just an adventurous soul would wish to experience. Here it is our step-by-step on some of the beautiful waterfalls in Rwanda and the experiences you are likely to have.
- Rusumo Falls: The Mighty Guardian of the Kagera River
Rusumo Falls is on the Kagera River frontier of Rwanda and Tanzania; they are one of Rwanda’s most popular waterfalls. It boasts of high power and rich history making it a perfect pit stop for every traveler. They cascade about 15 meters and are approximately 40 meters wide hence provoking a deserved breathtaking scene of gushing water and generated spray.
Besides aesthetics and the facility layout, Rusumo Falls has a significant history. Its historical past includes being a trade center of old trade corridors and a notorious transit zone in the course of the 1994 Rwandese genocide when thousands of Rwandese crossed the border. It is now a symbol of Rwandan standing and a beautiful spectacle of nature in the best sense endowed on the world.
Adventure Tip: For a complete appreciation of Rusumo Falls it is advisable to visit the area during the rainy season when the river is most powerful; March to May and September to November. There are also other activities that can be undertaken in the surrounding countryside birding along the River banks and other water sources. .
- Nyungwe Forest’s Hidden Gem: The Kamiranzovu Waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls in Rwanda to visit it gives you stunning views of Rwanda.
The existence of this waterfall is well hidden in the jungles of Nyungwe Forest National Park and to get there one has to trek through the thick forest of Kamiranzovu. This is a smaller waterfall but compared to the others a nice place where the force of the nature is still dominant.
Just getting to Kamiranzovu is an experience in its own merit. Enjoy a walk through the primitive land with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and hundreds of bird species indicating the proximity of the waterfall. If you stay at the river’s edge you will first meet a waterfall that falls from a rock cliff top into a pool below, which is covered with ferns and orchids.
Adventure Tip: The trek to Kamiranzovu Waterfall is not that challenging, and therefore, suitable for most of the travelers. Yet, it will be more beneficial to hire a guide, who will be able to describe the sights, the plants and animals, and the measures, devoted to the protection of Nyungwe Forest.
- Musanze’s Marvel: The two lakes, and the waterfalls/ This section of the article will look at two particular lakes.
Located in the sub-region of Musanze in the northern part of Rwanda, the Twin Lakes comprises of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Not only these volcanic lakes are beautiful but the contain a few waterfalls which are located on the hillsides making the experience more pleasing as well as little adventurous.
The Rugezi Waterfall is considered one of the easiest waterfalls to access around the Twin Lakes. This charming fall is found in a rather enclosed area of this region that has a green vegetation cover and a few farming activities. The actual waterfall that is visible is a small stream that flows down the slope of the hill and gives the feel of a warm shower making it more of a resting place just after the journey of the lakes.
Adventure Tip: It is recommended that during your visit to Twin Lakes, take a boat ride on either Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo. The boat trip allows seeing differences in the view on the waterfalls and gives the opportunity to watch the locals fishing.
- Cyangugu’s Scenic Splendor: It consists of the Rusizi River Waterfalls.
Rusizi River Waterfalls can be found in Cyangugu, a town in the southwestern region of Rwanda – and they have quite different characteristics from those of Ruzizi River Waterfalls. Rusizi River which is part of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo has a number of rapids and waterfalls that pass through a landscape of hills and forests.
It is not a very high waterfalls but has heavy flow of water and beautiful scenery of the Rusizi region. It is very densely populated in and around the falls; you will come across hippos and crocodiles whenever you are there – what a thrill!
Adventure Tip: A better way of visiting Rusizi Waterfalls is through a boat trip in the River where the water falls is situated. Such tours may combine visits to different attractions along the river, especially the waterfalls, and a possibility to observe the wildlife.
- The Mighty Waterfalls of Akagera National Park
Apart from having diverse wildlife and savannah vegetation, Akagera National Park has a few beautiful waterfalls in the park that enhance the beauty of the park. These waterfalls are supplied by water from the Akagera River that crosses the Park and contributes to the formation of oases in the region.
The Rurubu Falls is one of the famous waterfalls in the park that a visitor would observe during the park trip. Located in the acacia wooded and grassland region, this waterfall is a beauty that makes people forget the vegetation region around it. The presence of the falls also draws many wild animals such as elephants and buffaloes and is therefore a great stopover for both, the waterfall and wildlife view fond enthusiasts.
Adventure Tip: When planning to visit this park, it is advisable to do it during the dry season when many animals are to be found around water points such as Rurubu Falls. Utilizing a guided automobile safari tour can make your experience more informative about this park’s ecosystems as well as increase your probability of getting close to the wild animals.
- The spectacular beauty of Mashyuza Waterfall
Found close to the town of Bugarama in the westerly stretch of Rwanda, Mashyuza Waterfall is notable not simply because of the beautiful waterfall but equally because of the hot springs which are natural here. The waterfall is actually small but what makes this place special is the presence of geothermal hot water springs.
Adventuring through Spectacular Waterfalls in Rwanda: Conclusion
The waterfalls in Rwanda are as many and as different as are the experiences they provide as visitors get to go for a walk in the forest or go for a river ride. Thus they are ideal for hikers, lovers of nature, or anybody who wants to explore natural Rwanda landmarks – the waterfalls. Therefore put on your traveling gear, and your trekking shoes and prepare to be amazed by the waterfalls of Rwanda. Not only are those waterfalls the most beautiful and unique ones, but they are also the symbol of the natural potential and spirit of this amazing country.