Travel Guide Lac De Rwegura

After the junction between the RN 9 (towards Ndora-Masango) and the RN 10, the latter continues its course towards the east by climbing towards the ridge. On 22 km, the road runs through the forest of Kibira and then passes through Rwegura, known both for its théicole complex and for its artificial lake.This site was once a popular tourist site. It must be said that at 2 299 m altitude perched on the ridge it offers charming landscapes and many possibilities for walking: in addition to the tea plantations, the lake and its calm waters in a woodrat vegetation, there is also the edge of the Kibira National Park where hiking is Possible.The reservoir, created in the 1980 s, allows the country's largest power station to function, including in dry season when the Gitenge River lacks Water. Known as "high fall" (elevation between the dam and the turbine above 400 m), this plant provides more than half of the country's electrical energy requirements, although it does not turn its capacity to the maximum. In particular, it feeds Bujumbura by a high-voltage line that crosses the western slope of the Kibira. In recent times, however, there is siltation of the lake, which is not a good sign for the future. Mining practices in the region, such as the development of agriculture in the forest, are largely responsible for this critical situation.The northern entrance of the Kibira National Park is close to Rwegura. By coming from Bukinanyana, at the kilometer 98 or 99, a track on the left leads in less than 500 m to what were formerly the ancient GÎTES passage. The houses have surprisingly remained in good condition, and rehabilitation projects are on the agenda - one hopes that they will eventually materialise. A military camp is currently protecting places. You can find out about the GUIDES guides that are often on site, or near the Rwegura dam. A fairly simple hiking trail, in less than 2 km from the RN 10, at hot springs where one can bathe, at the foot of Mount Musumba (2 661 m). Since 2010, forest guards have reported the return of a group of chimpanzees to the northern part of the park.