Lake Rwihinda

Kirundo Province, Northern Burundi, Burundi

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Lake Rwihinda, also known as Lac Rwihinda or Lac aux Oiseaux (Bird Lake), is a protected lake and nature reserve in Kirundo Province in northern Burundi, near the border with Rwanda.

The lake covers about 425 hectares and sits roughly 1,420 meters above sea level, surrounded by wetlands, swamps, small islands, and patches of forest and shrubland that together form an 8,000‑hectare natural reserve. It is one of the country’s most important bird sanctuaries, hosting hundreds of resident and migratory bird species, including herons, egrets, weavers, warblers, and cranes, which use the lake’s marshes and islets for nesting and feeding.

The site is popular for birdwatching, peaceful boat trips, and nature walks, but it also faces pressure from nearby agriculture and fishing. Despite these challenges, Lake Rwihinda remains a key ecological and tourist destination in northern Burundi, often described as a quiet, green haven of birds and water.