The green islands
On blue water.
Olivier wood — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rogerirakoze — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rogerirakoze — CC BY-SA 4.0 · François Terrier — CC BY 2.0 · Serge — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Burera is a mountain lake in northern Rwanda near the Ugandan border, covering 55 square kilometres, the second largest lake lying wholly inside the country. It sits at about 1,860 metres, on the southern slopes of Mount Muhabura. Green terraced hills look down on it, making it one of the finest views in the north and a quieter choice than the busy gorilla road. It is the twin of Lake Ruhondo and empties into it through a short stream called Ntaruka, about 600 metres long. The land drops about 100 metres between them, which is why an old hydropower station stands there. The area is densely settled and gave its name to Burera District, and many people on its shores live from farming and fishing. From the hills you see blue water dotted with small green islands, with the cone of Muhabura behind them on a clear day. Fields cover the slopes down to the water's edge, and wooden boats cross between villages. At sunset the volcanoes stand black against an orange sky. Small waterfalls run among the rocks nearby, away from the main roads. It is about 16 km from Musanze in a straight line and about 8 km from Lake Ruhondo. Roads around it are unpaved and steep, so a high vehicle or a local guide is best. You can hire a boat from its owner, so agree a price first. Places to stay are few, so book ahead if you want a night here.
On blue water.
A cone behind the lake.
Fields to the water's edge.
Burera District, Northern Province, Rwanda
You can combine them in one day, as they are neighbours, and the high ground between them has the best views.
It is easiest, as the roads around it are unpaved and public transport is scarce.