A Visit to the twin lakes

Visit to the twin lakes

A visit to the Twin Lakes of Rwanda, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. These lakes are located in the Northern Province of Rwanda, near the town of Musanze and close to the famous Volcanoes National Park. They are known for their stunning scenery, serene waters, and the surrounding lush green hills, with the Virunga volcanoes providing a dramatic backdrop.

A visit to the twin lakes are best when combined with other activities such as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, hiking, or visiting nearby cultural sites like the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Other activities include a boat ride which is conducted by either a canoe ride or a boat ride. Both boat ride and canoe ride, helps to enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes and the serene waters of the lakes.

On a visit to the twin lakes, offers an opportunity of experiencing the traditional fishing methods with local fishermen. The lakes are home to various fish species, offering a good fishing experience with local fishermen often using dugout canoes made from large tree trunks. These canoes are manually crafted and are integral to the traditional fishing experience. You’ll see how these canoes are expertly maneuvered with paddles, requiring significant skill and balance. You might observe or even participate in the process of casting the nets and pulling them in, which requires coordination and strength.

The shores of the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are excellent spots for bird watching. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see a variety of species. The edges of forests and clearings near the lakes can be great for spotting both forest-dwelling and open-area birds. The most common birds you can see on a visit to the twin lakes are African fish eagle, great cormorant, pied kingfisher, african jacana, little egret and rwenzoli turaco among others.

A visit to the twin lakes also is a good opportunity for photography and sightseeing. The lakes are located near the Volcanoes’ mountains, offering views of several volcanoes, including mount Muhabura and mount Gahinga. The twin lakes are surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times, with the changing light casting beautiful reflections on the water.

On a visit to the twin lakes, don’t miss out on a village visit to explore nearby villages to learn about local culture and traditions, interact with the residents and understand their way of life. Some tours include demonstrations of traditional crafts and musical performances by local artists.

On the question of knowing when is the best time to go on a visit to twin lakes, it’s best during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when the weather is more predictable and pleasant for outdoor activities.

How to book a visit to the twin lakes 

Visiting the Twin Lakes offers a peaceful retreat with a chance to connect with nature and local culture. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Rwanda beyond its famous national parks. All you need to do when you want to visit the twin lakes, is to work with a professional tour operator who will help you to organize all the logistics from transportation, guiding and booking of the boat or canoe on your preferred dates. It is also advised to reach out to a tour operator to help you package a visit to the twin lakes with other activities including the gorilla and golden monkey trekking in the volcanoes, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park or game drive in Akagera National Park. Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts is one of the established tour companies experienced in organizing thrilling experiences. All you need to do is send your request to our team of tour experts to advise on different options based on your travel time, budget and preferences.