Lake Burera and Ruhondo – Lake Burera, sometimes called Bulera, and Lake Ruhondo are located in northwestern Rwanda at the base of Mount Muhabura, between Uganda and Rwanda.
Lake Burera covers an area of 55 square kilometers (20 sq mi), making it the second-largest lake in Rwanda after Lake Ihema (100 square kilometers or 40 sq mi).
Lake Burera would be the fifth-largest lake after Lake Kivu (2,700 square kilometers or 1,040 sq mi) between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Rweru between Rwanda and Burundi (133 square kilometers or 50 sq mi, of which only 47 square kilometers or 20 sq mi are in Rwanda), Lake Ihema, and Lake Cohoha (74 square kilometers or 30 sq mi, also shared with Burundi, of which only 19 square kilometers or 10 sq mi are in Rwanda), considering all other lakes in the country, including those shared with other countries.
Lake Burera and Ruhondo are referred to as the twin lakes and are found in Burera District, from where Lake Burera gets its name.
The twin lakes are located near the major city of Musanze, 25 km (16 mi) west of the lake. Burera is a promising district with a dense population alongside Lake Burera, bordering Uganda’s wetlands on the southern slopes of Mount Muhavura at an altitude of 1,860 m (6,102 ft).
This beautiful giant lake lies east of its twin Lake Ruhondo, into which it empties through the Ntaruka stream, 600 m (1,969 ft) long, connecting the two and dropping by around 100 meters, which made it possible to construct a hydroelectric power plant that produces 11.5 MW.
Lake Burera is twice as large as its twin Lake Ruhondo, despite being only 600 meters apart.
The twin lakes are separated by a drop in altitude of 100 m (328 ft).
Since Lake Burera is located in Musanze, a widely known town and home to the famous Volcanoes National Park with its splendid beauty and lovely scenery, different tourists are attracted to explore, learn, and discover more about these wonderful lakes.
Formation of the Twin Lakes
The twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo were formed due to a volcanic eruption in the Virunga Volcanoes, causing lava flow that blocked the Nyabarongo River channel, leading to the formation of these lakes.
Most tourists who visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo also participate in activities in Volcanoes National Park, such as monkey trekking, birding, and gorilla trekking.
Tourist Activities at the Twin Lakes
Boat cruising is the leading activity at the lakes. It can be explored at any time of the day, be it morning or evening, offering a wonderful experience around some islands and the cool breeze.
Tourists also have the chance to see Mount Gahinga, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Karisimbi from a distance during a boat cruise on Lake Burera and Ruhondo.
Tourists can also engage in fishing activities, although fishing is not very common in Rwanda.
In this activity, a few locals assist tourists in their adventure, making it a lot of fun.
Best Time to Visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo
The most suitable time to visit Lake Burera and Ruhondo is any time of the year, though the drier months, typically characterized by little or no rainfall, provide a better experience with less fog and moderate water levels.
These months include June to September and December to February.
However, visiting these lakes during the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, when there is plenty of rain, may limit some tourist activities for safety reasons.
Requirements for Visiting These Lakes
Some of the requirements to have when visiting these lakes include life jackets, water glasses, waterproof cameras for an amazing experience, and other necessary equipment that could be helpful.
In conclusion, the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo provide a beautiful landmark in Rwanda that not only adds to its GDP but also enhances its scenic beauty.
