Go for a boat cruise on the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera to have a gratifying experience. The Twin Lakes are situated in northwestern Rwanda, very close to the Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. In terms of land surface area, Lake Ruhondo covers about 26.6 square kilometers and Lake Burera spans about 55 square kilometers.
The boat cruise to the Twin Lakes is done on an engine boat with the help of an experienced guide to ensure that your experience is good. You will first be briefed about the trip. Then you will be given a life jacket to wear for your safety. The boat cruise will take around 3 hours or more. Along the trip, you will be in a position to view the rugged hills, birds, insects, and plants. The boat cruise will also lead you to access various Islands. Some of them can be used for nature walks and birdwatching tours.
The lakes were created due to volcanic with Lake Ruhondo situated below Mount. Karisimbi from Musanze district up to the border with Uganda. Lake Burera is in the Burera district below Mount Sabinyo. They were formed when River Nyaburongo was cut off by volcanic lava. The lakes are connected by a stream, Ntaruka, where Burera pours water into Ruhondo. Now, the Twin Lakes are separated by a land mass of almost a kilometer. Lake Ruhondo is shallower, with its deepest part at 65 meters, while Lake Burera is 173 meters deep.
These lakes have Islands, some with human occupants while others without. The Islands in either lake include Nyirabirori, Akasilasi, Akakoreta, Akibudende, Icabarihira, Akanyirantoki, Akokwarucuzi, Mwegerera and Akabadakiranya in Lake Ruhondo. Cyuza, Munanira, Mudimba, Bushongo, Bihosho and Birwa I in Lake Burera. The lakes are surrounded by lush vegetation, including terraced hills. These make the site very picturesque for visitors who can take pictures and videos while on a boat cruise.
Other activities to do at the Twin Lakes
While having your boat cruise on the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, it will be clear to notice that there are a range of activities that can also be enjoyed here. These include,
Hiking tours
This is a guided adventure through the lush forest as you climb up to the peak of the Mountain. This is another good opportunity to learn about the people and their connection to the region. You will get unique perspectives of seeing the Twin Lakes from here. While hiking the highlands, you will be able to have clear views of volcanoes, like Karisimbi, Sabinyo, and Mikeno.
Visit to Islands
Explore some of the Islands including Cyuza Islands in Lake Burera to get intimate encounters with the indigenous people in a tranquil place. Interact with people, buy their locally made crafts, and taste their food, including tilapia and silverfish. The local people can also give you some lessons on the skills they apply while fishing on the lakes. They also have a collection of interesting folklore that will give you an in-depth understanding of their beliefs, strengths, and connection to nature.
Visit the nearby farms.
Depending on the planting season, you will enjoy these farm tours and see unique ways of growing crops. This exposes you to the various cash crops and food crops that people here plant to enhance their livelihoods. Come and see avocado, coffee, and tea plantations. You will see how various crops are planted, harvested, or stored. This offers opportunities to purchase some of the food.
Birdwatching tours
Have your comfortable walking shoes on and grab a pair of binoculars for the delightful birdwatching experience at the Twin Lakes. Birds here include long-tailed cormorant, yellow-billed duck, black-headed heron, African openbill, squacco heron, little swift, common quail, spur-winged goose, white-faced whistling duck, African wattled lapwing, white-backed duck, Egyptian goose, African black duck, African jacana, red-eyed dove, common snipe, red-billed teal, little grebe, and grey crowned crane.
Relaxation and swimming
Though the lakes are relatively deep, they do not contain bilharzia spreading snails and dangerous wild animals like crocodiles or hippos. This is important for very good swimmers to have fun in the water. However, it is relaxation and sundowning that visitors including couples on a honeymoon can enjoy to the fullest. Come and bask at the lake shores during the afternoon heat, while enjoying the fruits served in the place.
Best time to go for a boat cruise on the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Boat cruises on the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burora can be done throughout the year. Yet, the best time to visit if you want uninterrupted tours plus hiking on drier, less slippery grounds, is during the dry season. The dry season experience occurs from June to August and also from December to February. This season is marked by warm temperature conditions and fewer occurrences of rainfall.
