Visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo – The Twin Lakes

 Lake Burera and Ruhondo known as the twin lakes situated in the Virunga area, with beautiful landscapes of the adulating hills and Mount Muhabura. Virunga area is a very rich conservation area with multiple attractions, the Virunga volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park home for the mountain gorillas, the crystal lakes; Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, which sit at the foot of Mount  Muhabura near the border of Uganda and Rwanda.The lakes boost of the stunning scenery of Mt Muhavura is seen closely and vividly which is such a natural beauty to behold.

Exploring the Lake Burera & Ruhondo

Boat Cruise or Canoeing
The best way to enjoy these beautiful lakes is by taking a boat ride or you can use a canoe to sail on the lake, visiting different islands dotted on the lake, for scenic sightseeing. It also gives you a good chance to meet with the local people, especially fishermen who are always fishing, as these lakes sustain many communities. You will catch them on the lake, throwing or drawing nets, others washing nets by the shores.

Birding
These lakes are home to various bird species that are seen freely flying, making this a one-stop location for professional birders or just an ordinary person with a keen interest in birds.

Due to its proximity to Uganda Rwanda board, it’s a good idea to visit the lake as you are moving between these countries. The lakes are located close to Volcanoes National Park, a visit to these lakes is either before or after the tracking. Adding a visit to Lake Burera and Ruhondo to the gorilla safari or a Uganda & Rwanda Safari is very enriching and enhances the safari experiences.

Lake Burera
Strategically situated on the slopes of Mount Muhabura shared between Uganda & Rwanda, is Rwanda’s biggest lake second to Lake Ihema, and is also bigger than Ruhondo. Lake Burera is elevated by 100m more than its other twin lake Ruhondo, because of its elevation in altitude, the lake pours into Ruhondo via the channel that links both lakes.

Lake Ruhondo
Is the smallest of the twin Lake Burera and it’s towered by different volcanoes, Muhabura and Karisimbi offering vert magnificent views for nature lovers.

Visit Lake Burera & Lake Ruhondo when planning a visit to Volcanoes National Park as an en-route activity.

How to get to Lake Burera and Ruhondo

Via Uganda: 
Coming from Uganda, either from Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Park you will go via Kisoro to Cyanika Border, depending on the sector where you tracked the gorillas, this is how long it takes to the twin lakes Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo in Rwanda.

11/2 hours from Kisoro town/Mgahinga National Park,

2 hours from Rushaga gorilla tracking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

2 hours from the Nkuringo gorilla tracking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

3 hours from the Ruhija gorilla tracking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

5 hours from the Buhoma gorillas tracking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Via Rwanda

From Kigali, it takes close to 3 hours to the twin lakes of Burera & Ruhondo.