Camping on Twin Lakes Island
Camping on Twin Lakes Island of Burere and Ruhondo, a relaxed adventure while enjoying the beauty and and tranquility of nature around you. Book your slot today for amazing life stories to tell back home. Let this summer be another chance for you to create a memorable travel experience in Rwanda. Book Now
Do you want to spend a night or nights under the stars during your Rwanda safari? Wake up on an Island surrounded by calm tropical waters and rolling hills? Then get ready to pitch your tent on the Twin Lakes Island. If you are a lover of camping and the outdoors on the Islands, then you will have to go to the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo in Rwanda. Ile de Cyuza in the middle of Lake Bulera, in the Northern Province of Rwanda is one of the most popular and outstanding Camping vacations in the land of a thousand Hills.
While there are many weekend getaway options in Rwanda, a Camping Trip on Twin Lakes Island is second to none and should be at the top of your list. Sitting on a 14-hectare Island referred to as “Cyuza Island”, this remarkably secluded Camping makes it possible for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the area which is still in a natural state. Marked by vegetable patches and fruit trees, this community-run Island directly benefits the members of the neighboring Town with proceeds from Visitors’ stays as well as the crops produced from its fertile soils.
How to get to the Twin Lakes Island for the Camping Trip
Cyuza Island, on which the Camping ground is found is only about half an hour’s drive from Musanze Town and can interestingly be reached through a 20-minute boat ride on Lake Bulera. If you intend to use private transport means (hiring/renting a car), head northwestward as if going to Rubavu (or Gisenyi). For public transport means, take a two-hour bus from Nyabugogo Bus Station (with Virunga Express) to Musanze where you will continue to Rugarama. From this point, you will be briefed by the Island manager and proceed to the shores of Lake Bulera (where the boat starts the journey to the Island). You will then hop into a small boat to begin paddling to the Twin Lakes Island.
The 20-minute boat ride is very rewarding with great views of the beautiful waters and surrounding rolling hills.
On getting to the Twin Lakes Island, guests are treated to a rewardingly short walk (5 minutes) to the designated eating area, an open-air room made of cement and wood, and a thatched roof. Guests not only enjoy fine dining but also breathtaking views of Mount Muhabura. The Island is one of the best Camping areas and visitors are provided with a tent, pillows, and a mattress while guests must carry bedsheets and a sleeping bag/s. Don’t expect a luxurious bathroom/toilet because what exists is an eco-friendly and well-maintained compost toilet and for meals, guests have to carry and prepare their food. Alternatively, food can be ordered from La Paillote restaurant.
What to bring for your Camping Trip on the Twin Lakes Island
Some of the essentials for your Camping Trip on the Twin Lakes Island include clean bedsheets, a sleeping bag, cozy and warm blankets for the chilly nights, warm sweaters, toiletries (toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, hand and body lotion, tissue paper, lip balm, sunscreen, hair comb/brush, and others), foods and drinks which will be enjoyed under the stars and in the foothills of the Muhabura Volcano. Also carry kitchen equipment (like a cooker, water bottles especially for the cold evenings, eating utensils, knives, cups, cook pots, matches, a stove/gas cooker, and a frying pan among others), a first aid kit, pair/s of binoculars, field guidebook/s (insects, birds, and flowers), socks, long-sleeve shirts, long underwear, a rain jacket, mittens/gloves, a safari hat, an insect repellant, sunglasses, and a camera which is a must-have.
Activities to enjoy during your Camping Trip on the Twin Lakes Island
Several activities will spice up your Camping experience on Twin Lakes Island and these include swimming in Lake Bulera, unwinding with a glass of wine and reading a book, boat rides and canoeing, hiking/nature walks along the shores of the Twin Lakes, and interestingly a visit to Virunga Lodge is unmissable. This Island is about 45-60 minutes from Volcanoes National Park hence it is possible to undertake gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbing, and hikes to the Dian Fossey Gravesite among others.
