Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera are beautiful twin lakes are located found in Rwanda at the base Volcano Muhabura. Lake Ruhondo and Lake Bulera are just so close to the border of Rwanda and Uganda on the edges of Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. Volcanoes national Park is well known for its Mountain Gorillas and the golden monkeys.
Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera were 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 Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera.
A closer view of both Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, twin lakes in Rwanda
Twin Lakes -Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera
Take a boat ride along the Twin lakes for aquatic life including many birds including the African Crown Crane, Hadada Ibis, Black Sawwing, Weaver, African Fish Eagle, Cormorant, Sacred Ibis, Yellow bill ducks and Yellow bill Storks etc. While on this amazing boat cruise you see people transporting goods using sampan and fishing in the lake.
Rwanda’s Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo have combined area surface of about 2800ha. You will also have an opportunity to meet the local community living around the Twin lakes. The villagers as they all rush to the lake side, dancing and singing happily to the island. As you visit the Island part tour proceeds will go to the village. Get entertained as you disembark from the boat, to traditional dance and sing together with them.
These Magnificent Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera and its Swamp Rugezi are the excellent photogenic, serene and scenic places for not only bird watching in Volcanoes National Park but also sightseeing as is one of the best places in Africa.
Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera are situated about a 30 minute drive from the park headquarters with the last mile or so down a rocky track through a number of small villages. The lakes are surrounded by steep hills and large waterfalls with a backdrop of the volcanic mountains. The two lakes which are deep blue in colour are separated by a 1km wide strip of land which is believed to be an ancient lava flow from Sabyinyo a nearby extinct volcano. The views of the lakes from the hillside are amazing.
Guests can visit the Twin Lakes after a gorilla trek or after your golden monkey trek. Wind down your afternoon with this outstanding visit. A number of lodges are available on Musanze from which you can stay at and visit the Twin Lakes including Bisate Lodge by Wilderness Safaris, One & Only Gorillas Nest and Singita Kwitonda Lodge, these are high end properties for high end guests. Other properties like Bishops House, Five Volcanoes and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci all offer comfortable accommodation to guesting seeking to spend less while visiting Volcanoes National Park.
For many guests that have visited the Twin Lakes Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera have also taken time to visit Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park and Lake Rwanyakazinga where they get to see Hippos, Elephants, Buffaloes, Nile Crocodiles and other beautiful birds