Lakes Burera and Ruhondo are twin crater lakes in the valleys east of Musanze, set in deeply folded hills covered in tea plantations and subsistence farms. The landscape around the lakes is some of the most intensively terraced in Rwanda — every slope cultivated to the waterline. From the road above, the view across the lake to the Virunga volcanoes in the north is one of the best in the region.
A half-day excursion from Musanze by motorbike-taxi or private car is the usual way to see the lakes. The main viewpoint above Lake Burera is about 30km from Musanze on a paved road. Boat trips on Lake Burera can be arranged at the fishing villages along the shore — basic wooden boats, enthusiastically negotiated prices.
The lakes are not in the national park but form a natural extension of a visit to the Volcanoes region, adding a different landscape to the volcanic peaks. Combined with a visit to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village near the park entrance, they make a satisfying second day in the area for visitors who are waiting for gorilla trekking permits or want to extend beyond the single-day park visit.