Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known together as Rwanda’s Twin Lakes, sit in the country’s northern highlands at around 1,860 m elevation, in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes. Despite lying only about 600 metres apart, the two lakes differ sharply in scale, with Burera roughly twice the size of Ruhondo and separated from it by a 100 m drop in altitude.
The lakes at a glance
- Lake Burera covers about 55 sq km, making it Rwanda’s second-largest lake entirely within the country
- Both lakes sit at around 1,860 m elevation in Rwanda’s northern highlands
- Separated by only 600 metres but a 100 m altitude drop between them
- Connected by the Ntaruka stream, which also powers a small hydroelectric plant
A landscape shaped by volcanoes and terraces
The Twin Lakes sit beneath the Virunga volcanic chain that also shelters Volcanoes National Park’s mountain gorillas, giving the area a dramatic backdrop of steep, terraced hillsides farmed in the traditional Rwandan style. The Ntaruka hydroelectric facility, built to exploit the altitude drop between the two lakes, generates 11.5 MW of power, a detail that reflects the lakes’ role in the region beyond tourism.
A quieter highland escape
Compared with Rwanda’s gorilla-trekking circuit, the Twin Lakes offer a slower-paced, scenic detour, with boat rides across calm water and views of the surrounding volcanic peaks. The area is increasingly used as a base for cultural and community-tourism visits, giving travelers a look at rural highland life alongside the lakes’ natural scenery.
Things to do
- Boat rides across Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo
- Scenic viewpoints over the terraced hillsides and Virunga volcanoes
- Community and cultural visits in the surrounding highlands
Practical information
- Located in Rwanda’s Northern Province, near Musanze and Volcanoes National Park
- Best combined with gorilla or golden monkey trekking given the shared region
- Cooler highland temperatures, so a light jacket is worth packing
The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo offer a scenic, unhurried complement to Rwanda’s mountain gorilla safaris. Offmap Safaris can build them into a northern Rwanda itinerary. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.
