Burera & Ruhondo Twin Lakes, Rwanda, Africa

Basic Facts - Burera & Ruhondo Twin Lakes, Rwanda

These beautiful twin lakes of Ruhondo Twin Lakesare located at the base Volcano Muhabura and close to the border of Rwanda and Uganda in the northern part of Rwanda, on the outskirts of Musanze. They are located close to the Volcanoes national park of Rwanda known as “gorilla’s home” with their blue water surrounded by the virunga high hills. Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are separated by a 1km wide strip of land.

The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo were named so because they are situated in the same areas and their physical connection. They are located with in Musanze district at the base of the Mount Muhabura a walk away from the Volcanoes national park. The lakes offer tourists a beautiful view of landscape, wetland habitat, and water birds, Virunga volcanoes, local communities and attractions in the neighboring uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A boat ride on the fresh waters of Rwanda twin lakes is a complement to gorilla safaris in Volcanoes national park, cultural visits, bird watching an volcano hiking which together make a complete Rwanda safari package.

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More About Burera & Ruhondo Twin Lakes

These lakes formed as a result of volcanic activity, where the largest River in Rwanda (Nyabarongo River) used to flow northward to Ndorwa (many years ago this part was for Rwandan side, but currently it belongs to Uganda), Due to the volcanic eruption which took a place in the volcanic region in Northern part of Rwanda, precisely due to the eruption of Muhabura volcano(currently is considered as dormant volcano), the lava flows from volcanoes blocked the Nyabarongo river’s channel, this led to the formation of these twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo also considered as ”Lava dammed lakes”, and the divert of Nyabarongo river by flowing south east ward where it joins Akanyaru River to form Akagera River.

Rwanda’s Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo have combined area surface of about 2800ha. These Magnificent twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo and its Swamp Rugezi are the excellent photogenic, serene and scenic places for Bird watching activity. Moreover, Rugezi swamp is one of the most seven important birding areas IBAs) in Rwanda. Their deep blue water surrounded by steep hills and tall waterfall with the outlines of the nearby virunga (volcanoes) provide a spectacular backdrop.

A canoe boat or Boat trip can be taken along the waters of the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo for sightseeing. The twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo can be visited in afternoon or evening time after Gorilla trekking or Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes national park , or even after Cultural tour from Iby’iwacu cultural village or after visiting Musanze caves. The scenery is Breath taking as the shores of the lakes are heavily terraced and Cultivated with crops and volcanoes slopes appear green in distance.

At the shorelines or in the lakes , fishing is carried out by people using traditional fishing methods like self made canoe that consist of a single piece of wood, and using fish net or hooks. If you want to visit the islands on these twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, the trip is done by a boat or canoe ride. The overstay or Night stay around the Lakes was made easier because there are many hotels, lodges, Restaurants and Guest houses with an excellent hospitality. For more information regarding Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.

The twin lakes share a combined surface area of 2800 hectares of land and were formed as a result of Volcanic eruption in the Virunga massif. its believed that the two lakes were formed after volcanic glaciers from the erupted volcanoes blocked river Nyabarongo that was flowing towards the northern part of the Rwanda. They are also examples of the lava dammed lakes in east africa related to the story of their formation. the lake waters look green due to the green vegetation that enclose these water bodies which make it more magical. Intrestingly the two lakes also have islands which can be visited by a boat. a stand at an island is god for photography and sight seeing. a boat ride at the twin lakes is well done in the afternoon hours which make it easy for a traveler to combine this activity with other activities like gorilla trekking. The island are inhabited by locale people who welcome travelers with wide smiles.

Also, local people introduce travelers to Rwanda;’s traditions, cultures and norms which increase travelers understanding of Rwanda. Where time allows, travelers take part in ;local activities such as cultivation which make the experience more enjoyable and extra ordinary. The canoe ride also reward travelers with a breath of fresh air spectacular views of the green vegetation and some little birds of the water shores. Fortunately, the lakes are free from dangerous water animals like crocodiles which assure travelers of their safety on the waters.Also, travelers get a chance to interact with local people also riding as they cross to their gardens. Its such an interesting activity no traveler should miss.

Other lakes in Rwanda are lake Kivu, Lake Muhazi, Rweru, Lake Cohoha, Lake Ihema and Lake Mugese among others. The rivers include Kagera Ricver, River Nyabarongo, Akanyaru river, Mukarara river, Ruhwa river, Sebeya river and Mbiururume river. All these lakes and rivers are sorrounded by swamps which are breeding places of a variety of bird species hence best sites for bird watching. In General,a visit to Rwanda’s twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhonda is undeniable a thrilling adventure. Book a Rwanda safari with us and enjoy a boat ride at the twin lakes, trek gorillas and enjoy all the beauties, nature has blessed Rwanda with.

AfriChoice operates a wide range of carefully designed tours and safaris to Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes by providing transport and booking a hotel for you. Our safari consultants will always be at your assistance should you need a tailor-made holiday to this unique destination. NB: For more information regarding Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.