Birding at the Twin Lakes: Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera

Birding at the Twin Lakes takes place at an amazing place in Rwanda along the foothills of a volcanic national park, these are known as Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, they are intertwined at some point one lake pours water into the other, these were formed as a result of volcanicity during the formation of the rift valley. It was during this time that river Nyabarongo was channelled when the hot lava blocked its course, gathering to form 2 beautiful lakes situated in the northern part of Rwanda, the lakes have rivers from Uganda pouring water into them however the water stays in the lakes without an out floor.

One of the beautiful lakes is elevated slightly above the other together they form a total of 2800hectares, which go about 180 meters deep the back-drop of the mountain is such an amazing view together with the misty gorilla forest at large,  the lake region is a hub of birds, numerous water birds can be seen around the lake region, example species include Rwenzori bats, great blue turaco, handsome francolin, sunbirds, cormorants, malachite kingfisher, strange weavers, herons, pelicans, to mention a few. To enjoy a birding experience at the twin lakes, it is important to bring binoculars, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, good cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a bird guidebook, and any other important items of personal nature.

See: Rwanda Tourist Attractions

Birding is done beginning in the morning with an experienced guide, who will take you through the trails distributed around the region in search of birds, it takes patience for you to have most sightings, hours taken usually depend on the day’s findings but can be done a half day or on a full day basis, this activity is best done all year round as each of the seasons is rewarding with unique experiences.

Birding at Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera can be combined boat and canoe rides these will take you to explore the Virunga massif, the views of the mountains a breathtaking moment under the deep blue waters, along the rides there is a possibility of viewing the many birds around the region and surrounding islands.  Enjoy fishing at the lake and engage with the local fishermen. Enjoy the beautiful sceneries surrounding the lakes, the fresh breeze is quite refreshing.

Guided nature walks in the region are a beautiful experience to enjoy, expect to see several bird species, people interacting, and those taking on boat rides. Visits to the Twin Lakes can be combined with those of those to the Volcanoes National Park, for example, gorilla trekking on a Rwanda safari, expect to come face to face with the gentle giants, they are tracked in the morning beginning at 8:00 am, Golden monkey tracking, Hiking the Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who supported mountain gorilla protection, as much as she loved them she ended up creating a few enemies, she was murdered in cold blood and up to date her death remains a mystery.

Accessing the Twin Lakes can be by road from the Kigali National Airport, it takes approximately +2 hours to arrive at the destination.