1 Day Canoe Ride Trip in Rwanda’s Twin Lakes | Explore Burera and Ruhondo in Serenity

Nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda’s Twin Lakes — Burera and Ruhondo — are among the most peaceful and scenic destinations in the country. Surrounded by terraced hills, fishing villages, and views of towering volcanic peaks, a 1-day canoe ride trip across these crystal-clear lakes offers an unforgettable experience of calm, culture, and natural beauty.

Just a short drive from Volcanoes National Park, this tranquil escape perfectly complements gorilla trekking adventures, giving travelers a chance to unwind, reflect, and connect with Rwanda’s rural charm from the gentle rhythm of a canoe.

The Beauty of the Twin Lakes

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo lie side by side in Rwanda’s Northern Province, separated by a narrow ridge and fed by streams flowing down from the Virunga Mountains — particularly from Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga. The two lakes mirror the dramatic landscapes of the region, their waters reflecting the deep green hills and mist-covered volcanoes that rise in the distance.

From the water, you can see the timeless rhythm of local life — fishermen casting their nets, children playing by the shores, and farmers tending to terraced gardens that cascade down the slopes. It’s Rwanda at its most peaceful and picturesque.

The 1-Day Canoe Ride Experience

Morning: Setting Out on Lake Burera

Your journey begins early in the morning with a short drive from Musanze town or Volcanoes National Park headquarters to the lakeside village of Cyanika or Ruhondo landing site, where you’ll meet your local guide and canoe crew. After a short safety briefing, you’ll board a traditional dugout canoe or modern kayak and glide into the calm waters of Lake Burera.

As you paddle, the crisp morning air is filled with birdsong, and the still surface of the lake mirrors the peaks of Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhabura. The paddling pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to absorb the tranquility and snap photos of the spectacular scenery.

Along the way, your guide will share stories about the local people who live around the lakes — their fishing traditions, farming practices, and the deep spiritual connection they hold with these waters.

Midday: Exploring the Islands

Mid-morning, you’ll visit one or two of the small islands scattered across the lakes. These islands, such as Cyakara or Bushongo, are perfect for short walks, picnics, and bird watching. You may encounter fishermen mending their nets or local women weaving baskets under the shade of trees.

Lunch is often served as a packed picnic — a simple, wholesome meal enjoyed with panoramic views over the shimmering lakes and distant volcanoes.

Afternoon: Canoeing to Lake Ruhondo

In the afternoon, you’ll cross the narrow water channel that connects Burera to Lake Ruhondo. The contrast between the two lakes is fascinating — while Burera feels deep and quiet, Ruhondo’s shoreline is busier with fishing activity and small homesteads.

This section of the canoe trip offers plenty of chances to interact with locals along the way. You might stop at a lakeside village to meet fishermen returning with their catch of Isambaza (tiny silver fish), or visit a nearby community project where women produce crafts or banana beer.

As you paddle toward the end of the trip, the reflection of the setting sun dances on the water, turning the lake golden. The journey concludes by late afternoon at the Ruhondo landing site, where you’ll transfer back to your lodge or Musanze town.

What You’ll See and Experience

• Magnificent Volcano Views: Capture breathtaking vistas of the Virunga Volcano chain — Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga — from the water.

• Birdlife: Spot herons, kingfishers, cormorants, and the beautiful grey crowned crane — Rwanda’s national bird.

• Local Life: Witness fishermen at work, traditional canoes gliding by, and daily activities along the lakeshore.

• Cultural Encounters: Learn about traditional fishing methods, local farming, and Rwandan rural life.

• Serenity and Reflection: Enjoy moments of silence as you float on still waters surrounded by nature’s grandeur.

Optional Add-Ons

If time allows, you can combine your canoe trip with nearby attractions:

• A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians) for a taste of Rwandan culture.

• A hike to the Twin Lakes viewpoint, offering stunning aerial panoramas of Burera and Ruhondo.

• A short community walk to nearby villages to meet local families and artisans.

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing and a hat for sun protection

• Lightweight rain jacket (weather can change quickly)

• Water bottle and snacks

• Camera or binoculars for photography and bird watching

• Sandals or shoes that can get slightly wet

Best Time to Go

Canoe rides on the Twin Lakes are available all year, but the best experience is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — when the weather is mild, and the water is calm. Early morning or late afternoon trips offer the most dramatic light for photography.

Responsible and Community-Based Tourism

Most canoe tours around the Twin Lakes are community-run, ensuring that proceeds directly benefit local families. By joining a canoe trip, you contribute to sustainable tourism and help preserve the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Local guides, many of whom grew up on the shores of the lakes, are passionate storytellers who connect travelers with the environment in a genuine and meaningful way.

A Day of Calm, Culture, and Connection

A 1-Day Canoe Ride on Rwanda’s Twin Lakes is more than a scenic adventure — it’s an immersion in peace, people, and place. As you glide across Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Virungas, time seems to slow, and the beauty of Rwanda unfolds in quiet, graceful harmony.

It’s a day that soothes the spirit, celebrates community, and captures the essence of Rwanda — a land of a thousand hills, a thousand smiles, and endless reflections.