Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes are some of the spectacular water bodies and key attractions in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Located in Musanze district, Northwestern Rwanda, Lake Burera & Ruhondo are beautiful Twin Lakes considering their physical connection. At the twin Lakes, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding breathtaking landscape, wetland habitat, Virunga volcanoes, and other nearby tourist attractions.
Burera and Ruhondo Lakes are fed by the Rivers from Uganda. They are typical creations of volcanicity that occurred in the Virunga region in Rwanda, creating Lava flow volcanoes that block Nyabarongo River channel hence the formation of the Twin Lakes.
Burera and Ruhondo, plus Rugezi swamp shores are known for their rewarding guided walks and ideal locations for photography. The Twin Lakes are also perfect for birding tours, with a chance to identify such as handsome francolins, Ruwenzori batis, and Rwenzori apalis.
Tour Activities to do at Burera and Ruhondo Twin Lakes
Boat safaris
The boat ride is the common safari experience that tourists can enjoy on a twin lake tour in Rwanda. A boat ride on the twin lakes allows you to explore Rwanda’s volcanoes, and enjoy the view of the 5 Virunga Massifs located within Volcanoes National Park. Also, the boat tour gets you exposed to numerous bird species, and they include Rwenzori batis, Red-faced woodland warblers, strange weavers, Kingfishers, dusky turtle dove, parrots, etc. The other special sites to explore on tour at Burera and Ruhondo Lakes include the islands like cuza, munanira, bushongo and bishosho.
Bird watching
Bird watching at Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes is a great chance to identify birds such as herons, kingfishers, darters, francolins, cormorants, Rwenzori batis, and Rwenzori turacos.
Fishing
Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes are ideal for fishing tours. Fishing activities are carried out on the islands where you get fishermen. Both the young and adults go for a fishing tour at the twin lake.
Nature walks
Guided nature walks can also be carried out at the twin lakes. A nature walk lets you explore the surrounding places while viewing the lakes.
Where to stay
• Virunga Lodge, Ruhondo Beach Resort, Foyer de Charietie, and campsites
Getting there
Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes are 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali city. From Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, access to twin lakes is about an hour’s drive.
Tourist attractions in Volcanoes Park
Bird species
Birding in Volcanoes Park is a must-do on safari in Rwanda. This is one of the valuable birding areas with an estimated population of about 200 bird species. Volcanoes NP birds include Rwenzori turacos, handsome francolins, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Archer’s ground robing, red faced woodland warblers, dusky crimson wing, Rwenzori batis,
African long-eared owl, brown woodland warblers, black crowned waxbill, baglafetch weavers, dusky turtle dove, brown necked parrot, grauer’s swamp warblers, lagden’s bush shrike, scarlet-tufted sunbird, Rwenzori nightjars, strange weavers, Doherty’s bush shrike, crested barbet, bronze sunbird, bat hawk, African swamphen, and more.
Virunga volcanoes
Volcanoes Park Rwanda consists of 5 Virunga volcanoes, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo. The most favorite volcanoes for hiking safaris include Karisimbi (4507m), the tallest of all the 8 Virunga volcanoes, and Bisoke.
Mountain gorillas
What makes the tourism sector in Rwanda remarkable is the fact that it is home to endangered mountain gorillas. Over 1063 mountain gorillas are left, and Volcanoes N/Park holds about 30% of these massive primates. Visits to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are conducted in already habituated gorilla groups, and there are 12 groups set for this adventure alone. They include among others Sabyinyo, Karisimbi (Susa B), Uganda, Umubano, Amahoro, Hirwa group, etc.
Visitors can only be done by persons above 15 years. Trekking Rwanda gorillas is carried out once a day and all participants must be holders of valid gorilla permits. The permits cost USD1500 per person, and to be on the safer side, you can obtain your permit at least 2-4 months prior actual date of visiting the park for gorilla trekking.
Musanze caves
Musanze caves aren’t only cultural treasures, but they also hold unique histories. Located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, Musanze caves were introduced for tourism in 2014 by Rwanda Development Board– RDB. These caves are 2kms long and they have multiple entrance points.
