Rwanda is a naturally beautiful country with amazing physical features including forests, hills and volcanoes. Though people focus more on mountain gorillas, there are also lesser known attractions like the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Located in the North Eastern part of Rwanda in a town known as Musanze, the two lakes were formed as a result of volcanic activity. When Mount Sabyinyo erupted, lava flowing from it blocked the river Nyabarongo hence leading to the formation of Lake Burera and Ruhondo.
The water bodies are referred to as twin lakes because of their close proximity to one another. Only a small strip of land measuring a distance of 1km separates the two lakes. The two lakes occupy an area measuring about 28000 hectares. Lake Burera lies on a slightly higher altitude than lake Ruhondo hence making it look like it pours its waters into Ruhondo. Though the twin lakes are independent of each other, sometimes their waters flow into each other when there is flooding or heavy rains.
Most tourists who visit the twin lakes do so while on their way to track primates in the volcanoes, Virunga, Mgahinga or Bwindi impenetrable national parks. Visiting Lake Ruhondo and Burera is popular with Tourists who have registered for gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. The visit is usually in the afternoon or evening before or after a major activity. The two lakes are excellent for relaxation before embarking on activities at the Volcanoes National Park the next day. The two lakes are also a popular stopover for people traveling past the town of Musanze on their way to Kigali or Uganda.
Direction to Lake Ruhondo and Burera
Visitors from Uganda get to the two lakes via the Kyanika road. This road passes through the Mgahinga national park in Kisoro. The journey from Kisoro through Kyanika takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It takes 3 hours of driving from Kigali to Musanze town where the lakes are found. The twin lakes are open to visitors all year round although most Travelers prefer to visit during the dry seasons. The dry season run from December to February and June to August. During the dry season, the skies are clear and the access routes are mud free hence not slippery. The dry season allows visitors to enjoy many of the activities on offer within and around the lake which we will discuss shortly.
Activities and Things to do at Lake Burera and Ruhondo
A visit to the lake Ruhondo and Burera is one of the top attractions in Musanze town. Exploring the Lakes is fun and rewarding for those who appreciate beautiful scenery and nature. Let’s discuss the main activities at Lake Burera and Ruhondo in more detail below: –
Going on a boat Trip: People visiting Lake Burera and Ruhondo take boat trips to enjoy beautiful views of the lake and watch the sun setting down. The boat cruise provides opportunities to marvel at the majestic looking Virunga mountains which are found in the area. Then there are views of the magnificent landscape, the beautifully terraced hills, tropical rain-forests and beautiful small islands found within the lakes. The islands include Bushongo, Munanira and Bishosho.
Nature Walks and Community Tours: Travelers to the twin lakes also get the opportunity to enjoy nature walks in the company of a Tour Guide. The Guides will ensure that they take Tourists to spots with amazing features. The nature walks usually including visiting the local communities where tourists get to meet and interact with them. This interaction with the local people exposes Tourists to the ways of life of ordinary folks in a developing country. You will learn how the local people take care of their homes, farms and families. A visit can end with attending an organized traditional music and dance performance. If walking is not your thing, you can hire a bike and cycle around the Twin lakes and local communities.
Bird Watching: Lake Burera and Ruhondo offer one of the best birding spots in Rwanda. A visit to the lakes exposes birders to rare bird species living in the vicinity. The species to look out for include the handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori apalis, red faced woodland wabler, the kingfisher bird, Rwenzori batis, brown necked parrot and the Rwenzori Turaco among other rare birds.
Game fishing: The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera also provide tourists with the opportunity to carry out game fishing. There are specific spots within the lakes set aside for fishing activities. Travelers get to learn the traditional methods of catching fish including how to use traditional fishing items like spears and fishing baskets among others. Experienced Anglers can choose to travel with their personal fishing gears to use for the activity. After catching fish, Travelers get to roast it from a camp fire set for them while enjoying the warmth of the fire. Learn more about sport fishing in Rwanda.
Accommodation while visiting the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Tourists can get a wide range of accommodation facilities from the nearby town of Musanze which is known for hosting Travelers on gorilla trekking missions. Accommodation facilities are available in 
both luxury and mid-range lodges/cottages. Some of the luxury facilities include the Gorillas Nest lodge, Bisate lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge and Mountain Gorilla view lodge among others. A good mid-range Lodge is Davinci Gorilla Lodge while budget ones include Virunga Lodge and Hotel Muhabura.
In conclusion, visiting Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo should be on your bucket list when visiting the Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking or Mountain hiking. Visiting the two lakes will expose you to beautiful scenery while taking part in fun-filled activities hence creating wonderful memories of your time in Rwanda.
