Lake Burera And Lake Ruhondo:  Rwanda is a very beautiful country and boosts of breathtaking scenery with a number of highlands and water bodies all over the country. Rwanda is a landlocked country bordered by Uganda in the north and the Democratic republic of Congo in the west, Burundi in the south and Tanzania in the east. This small landlocked county is sited on an area of 26,338 kilometers and is famously known as the land of a thousand hills because of the topography of the country.

The twin lakes of Rwanda known as the Burera and Ruhondo are a few of the water bodies of the country and these scenic lakes are located in between Musanze, a town popular for hosting guests looking for a mountain gorilla trekking experience and the Ugandan border that is the Cyanika border. These twin lakes are known as twin lakes because of their closeness and are only separated by a 1 kilometer wide strip of land. The twin lakes however at some other points join to pour into each other and the total area that both lakes sit on is about 2,800 hectares.

The twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo are fed by rivers and a lake in Uganda as they were formed as a result of volcanic activity. This volcanic activity was when the Mount Muhabura erupted and later created a dormant crater lake. The lakes there after filled the crater being fed by the river Nyabarongo meaning twins in the local language spoken in the area. The river Nyabarongo is the largest river on Rwanda and it created the twin lakes when the lava from the eruption blocked the pathway of the river. This Nyabarongo River flows the other side east to connect and join the Akanyaru River that is a source for the Akagera River where the Akagera national park, the savannah national park of Rwanda derived its name.

The visit to the twin lakes is a relaxing and rejuvenating one as you get to enjoy the beautiful blue waters of the lake with the Virunga volcanoes at the back making a beautiful backdrop. A picture moment at the viewing point would be a great idea for a real life backdrop.

The land surrounding the twin lakes has vegetation and some farm land which is a common practice for the Rwandan people complimenting the blue water with the thick greenery. On a clear day without mist, you can get the most of the twin lakes. The area around the twin lakes is usually covered by mist because of the elevation above sea level.

A visit to the Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo can be added on any of the Rwanda safaris we offer especially those that are headed to the west side of the country like after a mountain gorilla trek or a visit to the Volcanoes national park or even a stay at the lake Kivu. You can also pass by the twin lakes on your way from Uganda to Volcanoes national park via the land border. There are many activities you can engage in when you visit the Lake Burera and Ruhondo.

You can engage in some birding while at the twin lakes as the viewing point is a great birding spot and you will get to see a number of birds. Be sure to carry a pair of binoculars on you when you are visiting for clear sighting of the different birds living in the area. You can also have a picnic lunch while at the viewing point and spend the evening birding as you wait to catch the sunset on a sundowner.

Visitors to the Lake Burera and Ruhondo can also opt for a boat ride on the lakes to a number of vantage points where you can enjoy the views of the lakes and their surroundings. You may opt to do some canoeing on the locally dugout canoes and these can be hired from the nearby recreation centers and get to paddle yourself up to the different islands on the twin lakes. You can do some canoeing for about 3 hours to 8 hours depending on your interests.

You can also opt to engage in some fishing with the local fishermen but you will need a permit for this activity. The fishing on the twin lakes is done on canoe boats that are locally made from a single piece of wood and the fish are trapped using local fishing hooks and nets. This is best done in the early morning hours or later in the evening hours.

While in the area, you can take on a guided walking tour or community visit while in the area and get to interact with the local people of Rwanda and also get to be a part of a community for a day. You cannot afford to miss out on this experience when in the area as it is not on so many occasions that you will see twin lakes in one place. Get in touch and let us organize this visit for you.

The shores of the lake give you a good walking safari, it is also good for bird watching as this will give you a chance to see all the water birds that this lake has to offer.

Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are a sight to see for any tourist on a Rwanda safari. These lakes are located between Musanze and the Ugandan border. 

These lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) are called twin lakes because of their close proximity to each other, as well as the fact that one lake feds into the other. Given that Lake Burera is at a slightly higher altitude (150 meters) than Lake Ruhondo, it would seem as though she is pouring her waters into the latter. The two lakes are separated by a one-kilometer stretch of land (about 2800 hectares), which was formed following the eruption of Mount Sabyinyo.

Excursions of the Twin Lakes

A cruise around these lakes gives you a chance to explore the Virunga Volcanoes. You have a chance to see all the 5 out of 8 volcanoes.

You will need a pair of binoculars for birders as there are lost of birds you are likely to encounter. The hammerkops, cranes, lost of kingfishers and herons.

life is renewed with the sights here.

Lake Burera and Ruhondo are good for water birding. There is Rugezi swamp near by which makes the equation complete.

Local Activities around  Burera and Ruhondo

There are a lot of local activities that take place around this area. You can visit the agri-production plants, you may also be taught by the locals on how to use the local fishing methods. You may see choose to sit back and enjoy the breeze and the good scenery.

A boat trip or a canoe boat can be taken along the waters of the twin lakes for sightseeing.

This trip to the twin lakes will help you also visit lake Kivu near the DRC and you memory of Rwanda will be everlasting.