


1 Day Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo Tour
The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo Tour is a perfect escape for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty, serenity, and cultural richness in a single day. Located near the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, these two lakes are surrounded by rolling hills, small islands, and picturesque villages, offering breathtaking scenery and peaceful moments away from the busy city. For nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking authentic cultural encounters, this trip offers a refreshing experience.
The tour begins with a scenic drive from Kigali or Musanze, leading you into Rwanda’s countryside where the lakes are beautifully framed by the Virunga Volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll witness stunning views of farmlands, banana plantations, and local communities that showcase Rwanda’s vibrant rural life. At the lakes, guests enjoy activities such as boat rides, birdwatching, nature walks, and visits to nearby villages. With the tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are a highlight of Rwanda’s hidden treasures.
This one-day experience is ideal for travelers who are in Musanze after gorilla trekking or anyone looking to combine cultural tours with natural exploration. Whether you want to relax by the lakeside, capture the breathtaking views of the Virunga mountains reflected in the water, or interact with local fishermen and farmers, this itinerary provides a memorable glimpse into Rwanda’s beauty. For those with limited time, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo Tour is one of the best ways to discover Rwanda’s landscape and cultural charm in a single day.
07:00 AM – Pickup from Kigali or Musanze
Meet your driver-guide from Rwanda Safaris Gorilla Trekking at your hotel. Begin your journey in a comfortable private vehicle heading towards the northern province of Rwanda. The scenic drive to the Twin Lakes takes about 2.5–3 hours from Kigali, or just 30 minutes from Musanze.
09:30 AM – Arrival at Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
Arrive at the lakeside, where you’ll be welcomed by the peaceful setting of the twin lakes surrounded by rolling hills and volcanic landscapes. Take in the fresh air and enjoy the first glimpse of Rwanda’s hidden beauty.
10:00 AM – Boat Ride on the Lakes
Take a relaxing boat ride across Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. The boat trip offers stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and allows you to spot water birds such as herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. You may also visit some of the small islands scattered across the lakes.
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch by the Lakeside
Enjoy a delicious packed or lodge-prepared lunch while seated by the lakeside, with the tranquil waters and surrounding hills providing a perfect backdrop.
01:30 PM – Village and Cultural Visit
After lunch, visit a nearby community to learn about local traditions and daily life. Interact with fishermen, farmers, and artisans, gaining insight into Rwanda’s culture and hospitality. This experience gives a human connection to the natural beauty of the lakes.
03:00 PM – Nature Walk and Birdwatching
Take a gentle nature walk along the lake shores or hike a nearby viewpoint for panoramic photos. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, as the Twin Lakes area is rich in avian diversity.
04:30 PM – Drive Back to Kigali or Musanze
Depart from the Twin Lakes and enjoy the scenic return journey, passing through Rwanda’s lush hills and vibrant countryside.
06:30 PM – Arrival in Kigali / Drop-Off
Arrive back at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your 1 Day Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo Tour.
End of 1 Day Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Tour Inclusions of 1 Day Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
- Pickup and drop-off in Kigali or Musanze
- Transport in a comfortable private vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Boat ride on the Twin Lakes
- Picnic lunch
- Bottled water
- Community visit fees
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Accommodation in Kigali or Musanze (unless requested)
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from US $ 180 per person
Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.
| No of People | Up To | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | $ 450 |
| 2 | – | $ 250 |
| 3 | – | $ 200 |
| 4 | – | $ 180 |
| 5 | – | $ 150 |
| 6 | – | $ 120 |
| 7 | 15 | $ 100 |
Posted on Karsten Sidelmann VajhøjVerified Akagera National Park It was a very interesting day in Akagera National Park. We saw many different animals, and the nature was beautiful. Kim was great at spotting the game and was also a very nice and pleasant person to talk to throughout the whole tour.Posted on Kaushik BVerified Memorable trip to see the gorillas! Really enjoyed this trip to Volcanoes national park. Uviversal Ventures arranged it perfectly well. The driver was very punctual and friendly. He did an excellent job not only as a driver but also as a guide by providing useful information about visiting the park, etc.Posted on Caroline LVerified A wonderful experience! We had a really great 1 day trekking tour with Universal Ventures Rwanda. Everything was beautifully organized, with great attention to small details. Our driver, Christian, truly went above and beyond to make sure that we had an amazing experience thanks to his professionalism and kindness. He carefully answered every question, and was sure to point out spots of interest. We are so thankful!Posted on rosaVerified Amazing experiences, the company you need to book with! Cannot recommend this company enough! 20/10 would recommend both for solo and couple/friend travels. We actually did three different activities with them: Gorilla trekking 1 day, Kigali tour and 2night/3d in Lake Kivu. It was super professional, safe, beyond reliable and so well organized. First of all, our guide Christian (ask for him!) was incredible. Super professional, knowledgeable and great ressources provided. He really made sure we had the best experience. Suggested experiences along the way and made sure we got to them even though they were not included in the initial itinerary and did not even blink at the idea of prolonging his long day just for our benefit. He was also the nicest human being. One of us got sick and he simply brought us back to the hotel for her to rest and continued the itinerary with the rest of the group. He also helped us run errands even though he absolutely did not have to. He is also super punctual and really just cares about the guests. Super nice guy and really goes above and beyond. Also takes the best pictures and knows the best spots for your feed 😄 Second, Emmanuel (company owner) was the most responsive and helpful person we have ever interacted with. Super thorough and present. Third, the vehicles were in excellent conditions and water was always available. Lastly, the vendors/companies they work with are amazing. The boat tours in Kibuye (ask to go with Fabrice!), the hotel on Lake Kivu, all amazing! They truly are a gem of a company :) would definitely rebook with them without hesitations!Posted on Andrei RVerified Awesome Outstanding experience ! My guide Shadady went above and beyond paying attention to all my needs.Highly recommended !Posted on EdMotionVerified Nzirorera was just chill The Rwanda admissions fee of US$1500 is excessive for the experience. But the tour guide company’s service was easy and just fine. My guide and driver was Nzirorera Shadady who was extremely chill and helpful and conversational guy who gave me insights into many things about his country. My sneakers was fully submerged in deep mud during the walk and he got someone from the town nearby to clean my shoe completely while we had lunch after the experience. The gorillas? Akin to meeting them in a zoo. Except that here we had to trek 4-5 km. Something to be done once in our lives, I guess although I met Americans who were paying the $1500 per person for five days in a row. Even the locals were impressed by such extravagance.Posted on Amy CVerified Smooth and great experience for gorilla trekking I booked my trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park with Universal Travel at the very last minute, and the entire experience was incredibly smooth and well-organized. I already purchased my permit but neglected transportation until the day before. Really appreciate them for accommodating us!Seeing the gorillas was absolutely unforgettable. Christian, our driver and guide, picked us up directly from our hotel in Kigali and made sure we were comfortable, informed, and perfectly on time for every key moment of the trek. The drive itself can be intense, so we were especially grateful for his skill, calmness, and guidance throughout the journey.Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommend Universal Travel and Christian for anyone planning a gorilla trek in Rwanda.Posted on Gilberto JVerified Experience BEYOND AMAZING! A must do in Rwanda I booked a one-day tour from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, and it was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The company handled everything with professionalism — including arranging all the official trekking logistics directly with the national park — which made the whole experience completely stress-free.My guide, Christian, was outstanding. He picked me up exactly on time in a new, clean, and very comfortable car, which immediately set the tone for a great day. Throughout the entire journey, he made sure I was comfortable, informed, and fully prepared for the trek ahead.Christian stayed with me through every step of the process, from check-in to the briefing area to the trailhead, always making sure I was ok. It felt like exploring with someone truly invested in making sure I had the best possible day.The gorilla trekking itself was unforgettable, but the quality of service is what made the day seamless and memorable.Highly, highly recommended for anyone considering a day trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. I would absolutely book with this company again.Posted on sb12015Verified Extraordinary experience I had the pleasure of exploring Rwanda with Christian as my guide, and he was exceptional from start to finish. He’s the kind of guide who instantly makes you feel at ease — professional, attentive, and genuinely passionate about sharing his country’s culture, wildlife, and history.Posted on NarraGirl01Verified Once in a Life Time We had the good fortune to have Fidel as our guide for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Fidel and his team of porters and trackers were fantastic. We were assigned to a large family of gorillas (24) took about 2hrs to trek to them. It was such a memorable and wonderful experience. The guides/porters really knew how to respect and communicate with the gorillas. I cannot recommend this highly enough. The park and the activities are well managed and organised (in addition to gorillas).
