Best Rwanda Tour to Rwanda's Volcanic Twin Lakes

Best Rwanda Tour to Rwanda's Volcanic Twin Lakes

Best Rwanda Tour to Rwanda's Volcanic Twin Lakes offers unforgettable experiences at Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Plan your Rwanda Tour with this comprehensive guide covering activities, accommodations, and travel tips for an exceptional Rwanda adventure.


A Rwanda Tour to the volcanic twin lakes – Burera and Ruhondo, stands out as one of the most breathtaking adventures in East Africa. During your Rwanda Tour, you'll witness the mystical beauty of these volcanic lakes nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, offering spectacular views that will stay etched in your memory forever. The allure of a Rwanda Tour to these twin lakes lies in their contrasting colors – Lake Burera's deep blue waters against Lake Ruhondo's brownish hue, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle that photographers and nature enthusiasts find irresistible. As John Speke, the famous explorer once remarked, "Africa holds many secrets, but Rwanda's twin lakes might just be its most picturesque revelation."

What are the two twin lakes found in Rwanda?

The two twin lakes found in Rwanda Tour itineraries are Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, spectacular crater lakes formed thousands of years ago through volcanic activity. These Rwanda Tour gems lie in the northern part of the country, near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. What makes a Rwanda Tour to these lakes special is their origin story – they were created when volcanic eruptions blocked a river valley, resulting in the formation of these two distinct yet connected bodies of water.


During a Rwanda Tour, you'll learn that their names derive from local Kinyarwanda language – "Burera" referring to "the place of judgment" due to its mysterious deep waters, while "Ruhondo" means "small depth" about its shallower basin. The unique twin aspect of these lakes makes them a highlight of any Rwanda Tour, as they're separated only by a narrow strip of land, yet display distinctly different colors and characteristics that fascinate scientists and visitors alike.

What is the best time to go for a Rwanda Tour to the Twin Lakes?

The optimal season for a Rwanda Tour to the Twin Lakes spans from June to September and December to February, coinciding with the dry seasons. During these months, a Rwanda Tour offers clear visibility of the majestic Virunga volcanoes reflected in the lakes' surfaces, creating picture-perfect moments. A Rwanda Tour during these periods ensures easier access to hiking trails and water activities as precipitation is minimal.


The weather during a Rwanda Tour in these months remains pleasantly cool, with temperatures averaging between 15-25°C (59-77°F), ideal for exploring without the discomfort of extreme heat or rainfall. If photography is a priority for your Rwanda Tour, the early morning light of June-August provides spectacular conditions, with mist rising from the lakes against the backdrop of volcanic peaks. Though a Rwanda Tour can technically be undertaken year-round, the rainy seasons of March-May and October-November can render some roads challenging, potentially limiting the scope of your Rwanda Tour experience at these magnificent twin lakes.

How many hours from Kigali to Rwanda's Twin Lakes?

A Rwanda Tour from Kigali to the volcanic twin lakes typically takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road, covering a distance of about 97 kilometers (60 miles). The journey during your Rwanda Tour passes through scenic landscapes, making the drive itself an integral part of the experience. Most organized Rwanda Tour packages include comfortable transportation with stops at viewpoints along the way, allowing travelers to appreciate Rwanda's nickname as "The Land of a Thousand Hills." If you're planning an independent Rwanda Tour, renting a 4x4 vehicle is advisable, especially during the rainy season when some roads might require better traction.


The relatively short travel time on your Rwanda Tour means you can easily visit the twin lakes as a day trip from Kigali, though overnight stays are recommended to fully appreciate the area. For those on a premium Rwanda Tour, helicopter transfers are available, reducing travel time to approximately 25 minutes while offering breathtaking aerial views of the volcanic landscape and lakes that few Rwanda Tour participants get to experience.

What is there to do in Rwanda's Twin Lakes?

A Rwanda Tour to the Twin Lakes offers a diverse range of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Boat tours stand out as the quintessential Rwanda Tour experience here, where traditional wooden canoes or modern motorboats take you across the lakes' surfaces, providing unique perspectives of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Hiking enthusiasts on a Rwanda Tour can explore numerous trails around the lakes, ranging from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging routes ascending the nearby hills for panoramic vistas that showcase why a Rwanda Tour here is unforgettable. Birdwatching excursions during your Rwanda Tour will reveal over 200 species, including the elusive African fish eagle and colorful kingfishers that make these lakes their home.


Cultural immersion forms another highlight of a Rwanda Tour here, with visits to local villages where you can participate in traditional fishing demonstrations, craft-making sessions, and authentic community experiences rarely found on standard Rwanda Tour itineraries. For the more adventurous Rwanda Tour participant, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have recently become available on Lake Burera, offering intimate encounters with the crystal-clear waters while surrounded by five majestic volcanoes that define this extraordinary Rwanda Tour destination.

Can you swim in Lake Burera and Ruhondo?

Swimming during a Rwanda Tour to Lakes Burera and Ruhondo is generally not recommended due to several important considerations. Safety concerns predominate on any responsible Rwanda Tour, as parts of these volcanic lakes feature unpredictable underwater topography with sudden depth changes that aren't immediately apparent to visitors on a Rwanda Tour. Local Rwanda Tour guides explain that strong and unpredictable currents can form in certain sections, particularly where the lakes connect, creating hazardous conditions even for experienced swimmers enjoying a Rwanda Tour. Additionally, while your Rwanda Tour operator might not explicitly mention it, occasional reports of bilharzia (schistosomiasis) in Rwanda's freshwater bodies warrant caution, even though these lakes are generally considered cleaner than many others in the region.


Instead, Rwanda Tour packages focus on the multitude of other recreational activities these lakes offer, from scenic boat rides to shoreline picnics that allow the safe enjoyment of these natural wonders. For those on a Rwanda Tour specifically seeking swimming opportunities, guides typically recommend the swimming pools available at several lodges surrounding the lakes, offering controlled environments with spectacular views that complement your Rwanda Tour experience.

How many days do you need for a Rwanda Tour to Lake Burera and Ruhondo?

An ideal Rwanda Tour to Lake Burera and Ruhondo requires at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate these natural wonders without feeling rushed. A single-day Rwanda Tour from Kigali allows only for basic sightseeing and perhaps a brief boat ride, missing the magical early morning mist and sunset reflections that make a Rwanda Tour here truly special. With two days dedicated to your Rwanda Tour of the twin lakes, you can explore one lake per day, engage with local communities, and still have time for hiking to strategic viewpoints that showcase why this Rwanda Tour destination captivates photographers worldwide. Extended Rwanda Tour itineraries of 3-4 days enable visitors to incorporate side trips to nearby attractions, such as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or exploring the historic town of Musanze, enhancing the overall Rwanda Tour experience.


Seasoned Rwanda Tour operators recommend allocating sufficient time to account for weather variations, as cloudy days might temporarily obscure the volcanic backdrops that make photographs from this Rwanda Tour so distinctive. For those combining the twin lakes as part of a comprehensive Rwanda Tour, connecting these pristine waters with Rwanda's other highlights typically works best with a minimum 7–10-day nationwide Rwanda Tour itinerary.

Where to sleep, eat and drink near Lake Burera and Ruhondo?

Your Rwanda Tour accommodation options near the twin lakes cater to every budget and preference, ensuring comfortable stays while exploring these natural wonders. Budget travelers on a Rwanda Tour can find welcoming community-based guesthouses like Foyer de Charite or Red Rocks Rwanda, offering basic but clean rooms between $30-50 per night, with delicious home-cooked meals that introduce authentic Rwandan flavors rarely found on mainstream Rwanda Tour itineraries. Mid-range Rwanda Tour visitors typically choose properties like Virunga Lodge or Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, priced between $150-250, where comfortable rooms feature stunning lake views and restaurants serve fusion cuisine blending international standards with local ingredients, perfect for refueling after active Rwanda Tour excursions.


Luxury Rwanda Tour experiences come alive at exclusive properties like Bisate Lodge or Wilderness Safaris' new lakeside retreat, where rates from $800-1,500 per night include private decks overlooking both lakes, fine dining with paired wines, and personalized service that elevates every aspect of your Rwanda Tour stay. Most accommodations on a quality Rwanda Tour offer sunset cocktail services with signature drinks like the "Twin Lakes Sunset" – a local gin infused with indigenous herbs and served at viewpoints carefully selected to showcase the lakes in their best light, creating magical Rwanda Tour memories.

Booking a Rwanda Tour to Lake Burera and Ruhondo with Dav Safaris

Securing your Rwanda Tour to the twin lakes through Dav Safaris guarantees a seamless experience crafted by local experts with intimate knowledge of these volcanic wonders. Our specialized Rwanda Tour packages offer exclusive access to viewpoints and experiences often missed by independent travelers, from private boat excursions at dawn when the lakes are at our most photogenic to authentic cultural encounters rarely included in standard Rwanda Tour itineraries.


When booking your Rwanda Tour, Dav Safaris personalizes each itinerary based on your interests, whether you're a photography enthusiast seeking perfect lighting conditions or an adventure seeker wanting to explore hidden hiking trails that showcase the lakes from unique perspectives. 

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