THE TWIN LAKES LAKE IHEMA AND BURERA

THE TWIN LAKES (LAKE RUHONDO AND BURERA).

Lake Ruhondo and Burare are situated at the base of Muhabura volcano in Rwanda. They are so close to the border of Uganda and Rwanda and so beautiful to take a visit while on your safari to northern Rwanda.

Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills and this is because Rwanda is surrounded by different mountains and hills that you can see wherever you turn your eyes. These twin lakes can even easily viewed as had to volcanoes national park for your gorilla experience in Musanze region.

Lake Burera and Ruhondo were formed as a result of volcanic activity where river Nyabarongo used to flow northwards was blocked by lava flows and led to the formation of these lakes.

Research says that these lakes are around 180 meters deep and water is good for human and wildlife consumption and use for any other activity. They are also bilharzia and crocodile free.

WHAT TO DO AT TWIN LAKES – BURERA AND RUHONDO?

The lakes are home for fish and bird species among others and this has enabled development of activities that you can take partake while on your safari to these magnificent twin lakes;

Fishing.

While on your safari to these lakes, you can take part in fishing activity; here the local fishermen teach you how to use local fishing tools like baskets. In case you want to take part in fishing activity, you have an option of bringing your own fishing tools or rent onsite.

Photography.

The twin lakes offer great photographic scenery surrounded by well terraced hills, blue skies during dry seasons and deep blue crystal waters.

Boat cruise and traditional canoeing.

The cruise or canoeing takes you to visit different islands such as Muhabura, cuza, among others. Visitors are given a chance to explore more abundant birdlife, terraced hills and green vegetation.

Community tours.

A walk to the surrounding community offers a chance to interact with the local people, enjoy entertainment from music and dances as the elders will engage you in the folktales about the culture of Rwanda.

Bird watching.

These twin lakes are rich in diversity of birdlife around its shores and on different islands. Different bird species can be sighted while on a canoe or nature walk in and around these lakes.

Species that can be viewed include hammerkops, African fish eagles, yellow bill storks, and sacred ibis among others.

Farm tours.

Visitors take a walk and visit the farm gardens of the locals in the surrounding communities and islands. Visitors can also do hand digging, harvesting or weeding depending on their time of visit. You can also taste the locally prepared food by the local people to enhance your experience.

Swimming.

Because these lakes are bilharzia and crocodile free, visitors can come with their swimming costumes and ready to take this exercise. These twin lakes are deep with about 180meters, so only experienced swimmers are allowed to take part to reduce the incidents of drowning.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE TWIN LAKES (LAKE RUHONDO AND BURERA).

These lake can be visited throughout the year depending on your schedule only you need to contact us earlier enough for better planning to make your safari more memorable.

Note that the best time is during dry season which takes place from June-Oct and Dec-Feb.

HOW TO GET TO THE TWIN LAKES (LAKE RUHONDO AND BURERA)?

You can access these lakes by road from Kigali city or airport which takes about 2 hours’ drive at a distance of about 150km. You can also easily access these lakes from Volcanoes national park. Another option is for visitors from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda as they use the Cyanika road VIA Kisoro district and this can take between 1-2 hours’ drive.

Therefore, as you plan to visit Rwanda, the twin lakes must be on your bucket list.

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