Ruhengeri Twin Lakes Burera Ruhondo Boat Tour

Our Ruhengeri Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) boat tour from Kigali typically takes a full day, lasting approximately 8 to 10 hours. The experience usually includes a 1–2-hour scenic boat ride, often combined with community visits or light hiking to viewpoints, plus a 2.5–3-hour round-trip drive from Kigali.

The Ruhengeri Twin Lakes Burera-Ruhondo Boat tour takes place at the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo, located in Ruhengeri, very close to Volcanoes National Park. They are referred to as the twin lakes because they are interconnected at a point where one lake pours water into the other.

Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhundo in Musanze can be visited after Gorilla tracking or after Golden monkey tracking.  A day trip to the Twin Lakes can also be combined with a boat cruise, a canoe trip, or even a canoe trip on Lake Kivu in Rubanvu, Gisenyi, near Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The lakes are located at the foot of the Mountains Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Bisoke, and Gahinga. They are extremely beautiful, surrounded by the mountains and a very beautiful forest.

The lakes are fishing grounds, making them important not only to safari-goers in Rwanda but also to the local communities nearby. The lakes are usually visited as an additional activity after a gorilla tracking Safari.

Enjoy the nice scenery, bring a packed lunch, and have a picnic on the island. Discover nature in traditional canoes; enjoy the breathtaking landscape, wetland habitat, and water birds.

Boat Tour of the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) from Kigali Itinerary

Morning: Departure and Arrival

0630 Hours  – 0700 Hours: Departure from Kigali. Pick up from your hotel or residence, then drive to the Northern Province
0930 Hours – 1000 Hours: Arrival at Twin Lakes. Reach the base of the Virunga Volcanoes (Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo), where the lakes are situated
1000 Hours: Boat Cruise. Board a traditional or modern boat to explore the serene waters of Lake Ruhondo or Lake Burera

Highlights include Visiting scenic islands such as Batutsi Island and observing traditional fishing methods and local birdlife, including kingfishers and African fish eagles.

Midday: Lunch and Cultural Engagement 

1230 Hours: Lakeside Lunch. Enjoy a Rwandan meal or picnic at a local lodge, such as My Hill Eco Lodge or Migano Cafe, overlooking the volcanic peaks.
0130 Hours: Cultural or Nature Activity. Options typically include:
Village Walk: Interaction with local communities to learn about daily life and traditional brewing.
Hiking: A gentle hike to a panoramic viewpoint between the two lakes for 360-degree vistas.
Cuve Waterfall: Some tours include a side trip to the nearby Cuve Waterfall

Afternoon: Return to Kigali

1500 Hours– 1530 Hours: Departure. Begin the return journey to Kigali
1630 Hours: Arrival in Kigali. Drop off at your original pick-up location

Ruhengeri Twin Lakes Burera Ruhondo Boat Tour Activities include

Bird watching

Safari-goers who love birding should visit this place, as it offers a unique bird-watching experience, allowing them to see hundreds of different bird species.

Boat rides

Rides are done in the locally dug canoes to the different islands you will visit on these lakes. The canoe ride will also offer you a chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape and even see a couple of water animals.

Enjoy the scenery

You can spend your time just enjoying the beauty of this scenic place. The view is spectacular, as most of the farmland is terraced. By visiting some of the islands on these lakes, you will meet some of the local people who live there.

They are mainly fishermen who live extremely traditional lives, making them the perfect people to visit in this place if you wish to understand Rwanda’s indigenous lifestyle.

The Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo are located between Musanze district and Ugandan border at the base of the Mount Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It’s believed that the twin lakes were formed after volcanic glaciers from the erupted volcanoes blocked river Nyabarongo that was flowing towards the northern part of the Rwanda.

They were named so because they are situated in the same areas and their physical connection and share a combined surface area of 2800 hectares of land. Famed for its fresh air, gorgeous mountain views, and perfect weather, the lakes offer tourists a beautiful view of landscape, wetland habitat, and water birds, Virunga volcanoes, culture visits.

0700 Hours: After an early breakfast in Kigali, you will drive to in Musanze to Burera and Ruhondo Lakes to enjoy an option of taking a nature walk around the lakes, bird watching or fishing.  Later cruise enjoying the outstanding view of the volcano es with cold drinks and snacks. Later you will drive back to Kigali.

Burera & Ruhondo Boat Tour Package Includes;

✓ Lunch
✓ Snacks
✓ Start and end in Kigali
✓ Bottled water whilst on safari
 ✓ All park entrance fees to include government fees
✓ Service of an English-speaking professional driver/guide
✓ Complimentary return airport transfers in case you desire after the trip
✓ Round-trip transportation from Kigali to Lakes Burera and Ruhondo and back

Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com