The Twin Lakes of Rwanda
The Twin Lakes of Rwanda: The stunning Lakes of Ruhondo and Burare are Rwanda’s well-known twin lakes, situated in the northern region of the country, on the outskirts of Musanze, behind Volcano Muhabura, and near the Ugandan border. Because of their connection at the point where one lake empties into the other, they are known as the twin lakes.
Rwanda is referred to be the “land of a thousand hills” since it is encircled by several mountains and hills that are visible from every angle. These twin lakes are incredibly lovely to explore during your safari in northern Rwanda, and they are conveniently located near Volcanoes National Park for your gorilla adventure in the Musanze region.
The lakes are situated directly at the base of the Gahinga, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo mountains. Surrounded by a stunning forest and mountains, they are breathtakingly gorgeous. The lakes serve as fishing grounds, which makes them significant to the local residents as well as visitors traveling on safari in Rwanda. Typically, a gorilla tracking safari is followed by a visit to the lakes.
The pure dark blue waters of the Twin Lakes are surrounded by steep, heavily farmed hills, making the area incredibly picturesque. If the weather permits, they provide breathtaking views of the entire Virunga Volcanoes. In order to enjoy the scenery and a refreshing drink, most visitors prefer to drive up the small track that leads to a lodge situated on the top of the hill overlooking both lakes. While walking and birdwatching are possible in the hills and at some points around the lakes, the terrain is extremely steep. Visitors can rent a boat at Lake Ruhondo to take a picturesque lake trip and see a variety of water birds, including hammerkops, herons, cranes, and kingfishers.
The development of Lake Burera and Ruhondo was caused by volcanic activity, as lava flows interrupted the river Nyabarongo’s previous northward flow. According to research, these lakes are around 180 meters deep, and the water is suitable for usage for a variety of purposes and for human and wildlife consumption. They are also free of crocodiles and bilharzia.
Activities at Rwanda’s Twin Lakes
Fish and bird species can be found in Rwanda‘s Twin Lakes, which has led to the creation of activities that you can engage in while your safari in these stunning lakes.
Fishing: You can engage in fishing while on your safari to these lakes, where local fisherman will show you how to utilize baskets and other fishing gear. You can either rent fishing equipment on-site or bring your own if you want to engage in fishing activities.
Photography: With their deep blue crystal waters, well-tuned hills, and beautiful skies during dry seasons, the twin lakes provide excellent photographic landscapes.
Traditional paddling and boat cruises: These activities take you to various islands, including Cuza and Muhabura. The opportunity to explore terraced hills, verdant flora, and a greater variety of birds is provided to visitors.
Community tours: Taking a stroll around the neighborhood gives you the opportunity to meet locals and take in musical and dance performances as the elders tell you stories about Rwandan culture.
Bird watching: There is a wide variety of birds on the islands and along the shores of these twin lakes. While canoeing or taking a nature walk in and around these lakes, one can spot a variety of bird species.
Among the species that can be seen are sacred ibis, African fish eagles, hammerkops, and yellow bill storks.
Farm tours: Tourists stroll through and see the inhabitants’ farm gardens in the nearby towns and islands. Depending on the time of year, visitors can also perform hand digging, harvesting, or weeding. To improve your experience, you can also sample the food that the locals have prepared.
Swimming: Visitors can bring their swimming gear and be prepared to engage in this exercise because these lakes are free of crocodiles and bilharzia. To lower the number of drowning incidents, only experienced swimmers are permitted to enter these twin lakes, which are around 180 meters deep.
The ideal time to visit Burera and Lake Ruhondo
Depending on your schedule, you can visit these twin lakes at any time of year. To ensure that your Rwanda safari is more memorable, you must get in touch with us in advance to ensure proper planning. Keep in mind that the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to February, is the ideal time.
DIRECTIONS TO BURERA AND LAKE RUHONDO
These lakes are around 150 kilometers apart and can be reached by car from Kigali city or the airport in about two hours. These lakes are also conveniently accessible from Volcanoes National Park. Visitors from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda have an additional choice; they can travel for one to two hours via the Cyanika route VIA Kisoro district. Therefore, the twin lakes must be on your bucket list if you intend to travel to Rwanda.