Twin Lakes in Rwanda
Twin Lakes in Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Twin Lakes in Rwanda: The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Rwanda are a must-see for any traveller on a Rwanda safari. These lakes may be found halfway between Musanze and the Ugandan border.
Because of their close proximity and the fact that one lake feeds into the other, these lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) are known as twin lakes. Given that Lake Burera is located at a somewhat higher elevation (150 meters) than Lake Ruhondo, it appears that she is draining her waters into the latter. The two lakes are divided by a one-kilometer-long (about 2800-hectare) swath of land produced by Mount Sabyinyo‘s eruption.
Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are linked by a pipeline that is 70 degrees sloped on top of the Ntaruka hydropower facility.
Both lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, are thought to be roughly 180 meters deep, according to researchers. Because the waterways are free of predators such as crocodiles, they are considered safe for human activity.
The twin lakes are an excellent diversion travel option for anybody returning from a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The twin lakes are strategically located on the fringes of Volcanoes National Park, on the foothills of the Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga Mountains. The lakes provide perfect picturesque views, surrounded by steep and well terraced hills, with deep blue crystal clear waters visible from nearby hills.
Visitors to Rwanda’s twin lakes can explore a couple of islands by boat or during a boat ride on either lake. Muhabura, Bushongo, Bishosho, Munanira, and Cuza are some of the islands that visitors may visit. There are excellent picnic areas on the tops of the hills that encircle the lakes. Enjoy your picnic with loved ones while admiring the magnificent and breathtaking views of the lakes, birds, and surrounding hills.
What to do during your visit to the Twin Lakes in Rwanda.
Canoeing and Boat Cruises:
Visitors to the twin lakes may go canoeing or on a boat excursion on the lakes. Visitors may enjoy the lovely bird life as well as the surrounding lush green and terraced hills around the lakes by taking a boat tour or riding in a canoe. A boat journey on Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo might cost between USD 20 and $30 per person. Visitors can also visit adjacent lake islands such as Bushongo, Munanira, Cuza, and Bishosho. Visitors can also take swimming or canoeing lessons from skilled boatmen on the islands.
Community Walks/Village Tours:
Visitors can also take a guided walk to one of the surrounding towns or villages on any of the twin lakes’ islands. During these community/village excursions, tourists get the opportunity to engage with the locals, witness performances by local entertainment groups, listen to folktales told by community elders, and learn a lot more about Rwanda’s culture and history.
Farm visits:
Visitors can also visit farms on neighboring islands. Visitors can participate in farming tasks such as digging and harvesting crops, fruits, tea, and coffee on a farm tour. Visitors can also enjoy a locally prepared lunch with a host family.
Bird Watching:
Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are rich in bio-diversity, with quite a lot of bird species in the vicinity. This is an excellent location for bird viewing. Birds such as the cormorant, Kingfisher, darters, and Hammerkop can be seen by visitors on a birding adventure.
Fishing:
Tourists that visit Rwanda’s twin lakes can also engage in fishing activities on the lakes. Indigenous fisherman on the islands teach visitors how to utilize local fishing methods. Visitors who wish to engage in fishing activities on the lake may do so with their own equipment.
Nature hikes, motorcycling, and camping are some of the other activities available to guests when they visit the twin lakes.
The best time to visit the twin lakes in Rwanda.
Visitors to Rwanda’s twin lakes can visit at any time of the year. Visits to either Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo are possible all year. Visitors can plan a trip to the lakes by contacting a reputable tour operator.
How to get the Twin Lakes in Rwanda.
Visitors who want to see Rwanda’s twin lakes must go by road. Volcanoes National Park provides easy access to the twin lakes. These lakes are around an hour’s drive from Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Those traveling from Kigali City will need to drive 99 kilometers (approximately 212 hours) to Lake Burera. Visitors arriving in Kigali will need to drive to the nearest town to Lake Burera, Cyeru, which is around 11 kilometers away. It takes around 32 minutes to drive from Cyeru town to Lake Burera.
Visitors traveling from Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may also visit the twin lakes. Using the Cyanika Road from Kisoro area in Uganda, visitors may easily access either of the twin lakes. It will take around 112 hours to drive to Lake Burera and almost an hour to get to Lake Ruhondo.
In summary; Rwanda’s twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are indisputably gorgeous, and every visitor visiting Rwanda should make a point of seeing the twin lakes.
For more information about Rwanda national parks such as Akagera National Park , Nyungwe National and Volcanoes National Park , Reach out to us at Explore Rwanda Tours.
