Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo

Burera and Ruhondo lie side by side in the northern hills, separated by a narrow strip of land, both of them long and irregular with steep terraced sides and small islands. They were formed when lava from the Virungas dammed the valleys. The volcanoes stand behind them on a clear day, which is the view everyone comes for, and canoes can be hired in the villages to cross between the shores and the islands.

What's there

• The two lakes - Burera and Ruhondo lying parallel, split by a narrow ridge.
• The Virunga backdrop - the volcano chain behind the water on clear days.
• The terraced slopes - cultivated hillsides running down to the shore.
• The canoe crossings - dugouts hired in villages to reach the islands.

When to go

June to September and December to February are the drier and clearest. The volcanoes are hidden by cloud on many days regardless of season; mornings are the best chance. The rains make the shore roads difficult.

Good to know

The roads around the lakes are rough and slow. Bilharzia is present and swimming is not advisable. Boat hire is informal and prices should be agreed first.

Nearby

Musanze is southwest, and Volcanoes National Park is west.