From the shore of Lake Ruhondo, I marvelled at the turquoise water and the mist-capped mountains. That was a sight to behold. The lake looked abandoned. A cluster of activities usually seen around other lakes was missing. There was no fanfare and the only sounds I could hear were produced by the singing birds. I am not complaining though. The tranquility I felt here is exactly what I needed. Earlier on, I had cruised around several islands aboard a wooden motorised boat and the only sounds I could hear were produced by its engine. When I returned to the shore, I overheard farmers communicating with their livestock in a language I barely understood. Lakes are resources that stimulate nature-based tourism. Their allure is irresistible to some of us. This power of attraction leads to frequent Kivu-bound trips organised by residents of Kigali. As they drive to the Western Province under the influence of the magnetic charm of the lake they are familiar with, Kigali dwellers bypass the seldom known Lake Ruhondo. Not far from the north-eastern shoreline of Lake Ruhondo lies another hidden gem, Lake Burera. The ‘Twin Lakes’ moniker is often used to refer to the two neighbouring lakes. Lake Burera surges 150 meters higher than her twin sister. While standing near the slope of the nearest volcano, I enjoyed an unobstructed view of both water bodies. From this location, it looked like Burera was flowing into Ruhondo. Turns out, Lake Burera indeed pours its content into Lake Ruhondo. This is done through a pipeline structured to intensify the velocity of the dropping water which in turn, whirls the turbines designed to produce electricity. At Ntaruka power plant, I learnt a thing or two about the scientific process of transforming kinetic energy into electricity. I also came across another investment in the energy sector when I stumbled upon Mukungwa hydroelectricity plant a couple of kilometers away. The upmarket Virunga Lodge is in the vicinity, mostly hosting loaded tourists attracted by the famous mountain gorillas. Other relatively cheaper lodges available around the Twin Lakes include Lake Ruhondo Beach Resort and the church-owned Les Foyers de Charité. Visitors can also opt to camp on Cyuza’s island. From the shore of Lake Ruhondo, I admired the lush green plants and the imposing light blue sky. After hiking towards the volcanoes for about an hour, I was rewarded with the view of the two stunning lakes. The author is an adventurer on a mission to discover what Rwanda has to offer. Follow his awe-inspiring journey on the Sunday Times and exposure.rw.
