Twin Lakes Rwanda | Visit Burera & Ruhondo Near Musanze

At the base of Mount Muhabura, you will find the peaceful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, located near the border between Rwanda and Uganda. These lakes cover an area of about 2,800 hectares and are only a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters. When viewed from the hillside, the lakes shine beautifully down the slope.

After a long day exploring nearby national parks for gorilla trekking and enjoying the fresh air and views, you can return to your booked lodge in Musanze. Options range from luxury to budget and include places like One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Da Vinci Lodge, among others.

The blue waters of the lakes were formed due to volcanic activity. Lava from the volcano flowed down the slope and blocked the Nyabarongo River, creating the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Before the eruption, the Nyabarongo was the largest river in Rwanda and flowed north into Ndorwa. After the eruption, the river’s flow was redirected into Uganda.

These twin lakes are divided by a one-kilometer-wide strip of land, believed to be lava from the eruption of Sabyinyo, a nearby extinct volcano. The area offers many enjoyable activities. It is great for photography because of the natural beauty of the lakes and their surroundings. Bird lovers are also attracted to this peaceful area, as it is home to many bird species. From a distance, you can watch birds flying from one place to another.

Near the lakes, there are small villages where friendly locals live. If you enjoy learning about Rwandan culture, you can interact with them. You will see how they preserve food, build their homes, and perform traditional music and dances. Their songs and rhythms are pleasant to hear and tell stories of their way of life.

Trekking in this area can be hard, especially during the rainy season, but it is also rewarding. You may get a chance to see gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural home. If you start your trail early in the day, you can watch how these animals take care of their young and how they search for food.