Expert Guide To Rwanda’s Twin Lakes Of Burera And Ruhondo

The Complete Expert Guide To Rwanda’s Twin Lakes Of Burera And Ruhondo. Visit the Twin Lakes Of Burera And Ruhondo. Book Affordable Luxury African Safari Tours. Rwanda is a naturally appealing nation with astonishing physical landforms inclusive of forests, hills, lakes, and volcanoes among others. Even though individuals give a lot of concentration on mountain gorillas, there are a few attractions that are known, and among these attractions are the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. The twin lakes are situated in North Eastern Rwanda in Musanze town. The formation process of the two laves is volcanicity and this happened as a result of the eruption of Mount Sabinyo, the flowing lava from the eruption blocked river Nyabarongo hence resulting in the formation of Lake Ruhondo and Burera.

These lakes are known as twin lakes because they are located very close to each other. These two lakes are separated by only a small strip of land estimated to be 1 kilometer. The two lakes cover an area estimated to be 28000 hectares. Lake Ruhondo lies at a slightly higher altitude than Lake Burera hence making it appear like it pours its water into Lake Burera. Even though the twin lakes are self-reliant on each other, at times they pour water into each other when there are heavy rains or floods.

Twin Lakes Of Burera And Ruhondo

Nearly all tourists who come to track primates at Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park visit the twin lakes as an add-on. Paying a visit to the twin lakes is mostly done by clients who have opted for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park. These lakes are mostly visited in the afternoon hours or evening hours after the major activity which is gorilla trekking.  The twin lakes are very good for chilling before undertaking the activities at Volcanoes National Park the following day. These two lakes are also a famous stopover for clients transiting past the Musanze town on their way to Kigali or Uganda.

Direction to Lake Ruhondo and Burera

Tourists coming from Uganda can reach two lakes through the Cyanika Road. This road passes through Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in Kisoro. The transfer from Kisoro via Cyanika approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Transferring from Kigali to Musanze where the twin lakes are located takes approximately 3 hours of driving. The twin lakes can be visited throughout the year even though nearly all the tourists prefer visiting them during the dry season. The dry season months are December to February and June to August. During the dry season, the skies are crystal clear and the routes to the lakes are mud-free hence not slippery. The dry season enables the tourists to take pleasure in many of the activities.

Activities and Things to do at Lake Burera and Ruhondo

Visiting the lake Ruhondo and Burera is among the key attractions at Musanze. Exploring the Lakes is enjoyable and satisfying for travelers who adore stunning scenery and nature. Let us dig deep into the major activities at the Twin Lakes in more detail below.

Boat Trip: Travellers visiting the twin lakes to take boat trips to appreciate the lake’s beautiful scenery and watch the setting sun. The boat cruise offers golden opportunities to be amazed by the magnificent appearance of the Virunga mountains which are found in the area. There is also the scenery of the spectacular terrain, the charmingly terraced hills, tropical rainforests, and attractive tinny islands located within the lakes.

Nature Walks and Community Tours:

Tourists who visit the twin lakes also get the golden opportunity of enjoying nature walks accompanied by local guides. It is the guides to make sure that clients are taken to see the mazing features. The nature walks normally include visiting the local communities and during these visits, tourists get a chance to meet and chat with them. This interaction between the tourists and the local community enables the tourists to learn more about the local people’s ways of life. Tourists will acquire more knowledge about the way the local communities look after their homes, farms, and families. Community tours can conclude by attending and organizing traditional music and dance performances. If you have no interest in walking, there is an option of hiring a bike and riding near the Twin Lakes and local communities.

Birding: The twin lakes are among the best birding spots in Rwanda. Visiting the lakes uncovers birders to uncommon bird species residing in the vicinity. Expect to see species like the handsome Francolin, the Rwenzori Apalis, the red-faced woodland wabler, the kingfisher bird, the Rwenzori batis, brown necked parrot, and the Rwenzori Turaco among others.

Game fishing: The twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo additionally offer tourists the chance to participate in game fishing. There exist special locations within and near the lakes that are reserved for fishing activities. Travelers acquire knowledge about traditional fishing methods inclusive of how to use traditional fishing items like spears and fishing baskets among others. Fishermen with enough experience can decide to travel with their fishing gear to use for the activity. After fishing, tourists are allowed to roast it from a campfire set for them while enjoying the warmth of the fire.

Accommodation near the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo

Tourists have a broad range of accommodation facilities that are near Musanze which is famous for hosting tourists on gorilla trekking safaris. Accommodation facilities range from Luxury, midrange, and budget. Luxury lodges include One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Amarembo by Touchdown, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. Midrange lodges include Bishop’s House, Sambora Kinigi, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge among others. Budget hotels include Virunga Lodge, Classic Resort, and Hotel Muhabura among others.

In conclusion, visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo should be your to-do visit on your gorilla trekking safari. The visit to the two lakes will expose you to beautiful scenery during your fun-filled activities hence creating memories that will last for a lifetime.

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