Rutovu

Rutovu launches from a very large, grassy takeoff near the touristic 'Pyramide du Nil' landmark in Burundi, with plenty of room for many wings at once and good potential for both ridge soaring and thermal flying. Local people are known for being welcoming and happy to help visiting pilots. To reach launch, take the small road leading left from the end of the Pyramide du Nil parking area, follow it about 1,000 meters, then take a short 4x4-accessible path on the right for about 100 meters to the top of the ridge; the path then turns 90 degrees right and continues another 100 meters to the huge takeoff, which you can actually drive right up to. Wind here usually comes from the east and can turn strong, and — as is generally true across Burundi — the weather can shift quickly. Top-landing right back at takeoff is easy, and there's also plenty of open field downhill to land in, though there's no single official landing spot.

Launch & conditions

The takeoff is large and grassy, with room for many wings at once and good potential for both ridge soaring and thermal flying — you can actually drive right up to it.

Getting there & local rules

From the parking area at the 'Pyramide du Nil' landmark, take the small road leading left, follow it about 1,000 meters, then a short 4x4-accessible path on the right for about 100 meters to the top of the ridge. The path turns 90 degrees right and continues another 100 meters to the takeoff.

Local rules & hazards

Wind here usually comes from the east and can turn strong, and — as is generally true across Burundi — the weather can shift quickly.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Rutovu, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Rutovu with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.