Lake Cyohoha Rwanda
Lake Cyohoha South is most popularly referred to as Cyohoha in Rwanda and in Burundi, it is most known as Lake Cohoha. This is one of East Africa’s smallest Lakes and lies at the border between Rwanda and Burundi.
From Rwandan side, Lake Cyohoha is referred to as Lake Cyohoha South. This is what differentiates it from the smaller Cyohoha North which is 10 miles North into Rwanda.
In Burundi, Lake Cyohoha is called Cohoha and is narrow but long with several branches. This lake measures 32km in length and by average, it has a width measuring 1km and maximum width of 2km. This scenic water body is bisected by the border between Rwanda and Burundi.
The Southern side of the lake stretches up to Burundi. About 74sq.km is the area coverage of this spectacular lake and 19sq.km of it occupy the Rwandan side while 55sq.km falls on the Burundi side.
The Southern section like the Northern side all feed River Akanyaru through series of marshlands that link the two lakes to the river. It is 10 miles West of the Lake Rweru, Rwanda’s 2nd lake that is found along the Rwanda-Burundi border.
Location
Lake Cyohoha South lies South of Kigali, and found in the Kirundo at an altitude of 1352m. Its buffer zone lies in the Bugabira Commune in Burundi and Bugesera, Eastern Province of Rwanda.
Which is the biggest lake in Rwanda?
Lake Kivu is undoubtedly the biggest lake in Rwanda. It makes up part of the Great Rift Valley on the African continent and lies on the Western part of the country, and in the surrounding; there are multiple beautiful mountain ranges. It covers 2700sq.km and on African continent, it is the 6th largest.
While on Lake Kivu tour, expect to enjoy exciting experiences such as kayaking and water sports, boat cruises, island hopping and coffee tour, sport fishing, swimming, cycling and relaxation at the shores.
Which lake borders Burundi?
Besides Lake Cyohoha, Tanganyika is the other lake that is bordering Burundi. This is Africa’s deepest lake and known for its huge volumes of water, accounting for 16% of the freshwater that is available on planet earth.
What lakes are located in the Northern Province of Rwanda?
To the Northern Province of Rwanda, the notable lakes include Lake Ruhondo and Burera. These are situated close to Rwanda and Uganda. These twin lakes are found right at the base of Muhabura Volcano and very accessible from Kinigi. With their close proximity to Volcanoes National Park, it is possible to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with visit to the twin lakes.
More about Lake Cyohoha
Lake Cyohoha trans-boundary catchment lies in the Bugesera area, a region that is shared between Rwanda and Burundi. This is part of Lake Victoria basin and its vegetation is characterized by dry savannas and wetlands.
What to see on Lake Cyohoha tour
Lake Cyohoha features marshland in the surround and this area holds over 54 bird species. These include resident and migratory birds. They include lesser kestrel, papyrus gonoleks, greater snipes, Malagasy pond herons, pallid harriers and around the wetland areas, there are sitatungas.
Top things to do around Lake Cyohoha
- Cyohoha is strategically located in an area where you can enjoy camping experience. Located on the Northern side of the lake is Cyohoha camping site where you can start hiking tours, picnicking, boat rides and more. From this lake, you can also travel up to Akagera National Park within 3 hours’ drive and enjoy game drives, birding, boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Or drive to Volcanoes National Park within 4 hours and this is the premier gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda. Besides, you can also be part of golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking to the summits of Bisoke, Muhabura or Karisimbi Volcano and birding.
In conclusion, Lake Cyohoha is one area that is worth considering for relaxation, camping experiences and several incredible experiences.