Calm water and wooded shoreline of Lake Burera, northern Rwanda

Nature · Burera and Musanze Districts, Northern Province

Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Two volcanic lakes east of Musanze, linked by a short, steep stream below the Virunga peaks

Ambient sound · similar settingSmall waves lapping the shore of Lake Volta

Photo: Serge / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Discover Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo

East of Musanze, two lakes fill valleys dammed long ago by volcanic lava. Lake Burera, the larger, stretches north towards the Ugandan border and the slopes of Muhabura; Lake Ruhondo lies just to its south-west, at a slightly lower level. Only a narrow strip of land separates them, and the short Ntaruka stream tumbles about 100 m from one to the other.

The setting is classic northern Rwanda: steep hillsides terraced right down to the water, small islands, wooden boats and, on clear days, the cones of the Virunga volcanoes on the horizon. Visitors usually drive up to a viewpoint above the lakes, then take a boat out onto the water or walk the paths between villages. It is a calm contrast to the early starts of gorilla trekking.

Don’t miss

01Panoramic viewpoint over both lakes and the narrow ridge between them
02Boat trips past small islands and lakeside villages
03Terraced farmland running down to the shore
04Views of the Virunga volcanoes on clear days
05The Ntaruka stream linking the lakes, with a drop of about 100 m

History & culture

The story of Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo

Both lakes are products of the Virunga volcanoes. Lava from Sabyinyo flowed across an old river valley and set hard, blocking the drainage and allowing water to collect behind it. Burera feeds Ruhondo through the Ntaruka stream, and Ruhondo in turn drains south-west through the Mukungwa River towards the Nyabarongo, part of the upper Nile basin.

The fall between the two lakes has been put to use for electricity: the Ntaruka hydroelectric plant, rated at 11.5 MW, uses the drop on the connecting stream. Burera, with an area of about 55 square kilometres, gives its name to Burera District and is described as the second-largest lake entirely within Rwanda.

Local life & traditions

The hills around the lakes are some of the most densely farmed in Rwanda, with beans, sorghum, potatoes and bananas grown on hand-dug terraces. Fishing and small-scale boat transport are part of daily life, and children often wave from the shore as boats pass. Ask before photographing people, and buy snacks or crafts locally where you can.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

The simplest visit is a scenic drive from Musanze to a viewpoint above the lakes; because the road reaches it, you are unlikely to have it to yourself. From the shore you can hire a boat for a lake cruise, with options ranging from simple wooden boats to motorised craft through lodges and operators. Walking or cycling on the rural tracks gives a close look at farming life, and photographers come for the light early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

Allow half a day from Musanze, or more if you want to stay by the water.

When to go

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February bring the clearest views of the volcanoes and the most comfortable boat trips. Afternoon storms and mist are more frequent in the rainy months of March to May and October to November, and some rural tracks become muddy, although the hills are at their greenest then.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Getting there: A viewpoint over the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo can be reached by road, and a boat can be hired for a lake cruise. Source: visitrwanda.com ↗
Nearest town: Musanze, at the foot of the Virunga massif, is the base for the lakes; Visit Rwanda lists Burera and Ruhondo among the lakes around the city. Source: visitrwanda.com ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Go early in the morning for still water and the best chance of seeing the volcanoes without cloud.
Agree boat prices and duration before setting off, and ask for life jackets.
Bring a light jacket; the breeze on the water can be cool at this altitude.
Combine the lakes with the Musanze Caves for a full day out of town.
Dress modestly when walking through villages and always ask before taking photographs of people.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo: food, markets & places to stay

Musanze, about 25 km to the west of Lake Burera, has restaurants, markets, banks and a wide range of accommodation, and there are a few lodges near the lake shores. Most visitors come by private vehicle, taxi or motorcycle taxi from Musanze, as roads to the shore are rural and public transport is limited.