Smaller Twins Are Handsome Too

Three pretty sets of twin lakes can be found nestled on both sides of the Rwanda-Uganda border, and we usually spin tales about the bigger siblings only — Lakes Burera, Kayumbu and Mutanda. The reason is that these lie directly on our trekking routes … But today we are correcting this omission with a photo collection presenting the overlooked brothers and sisters!

Rwanda’s Twin Lakes

Lake Ruhondo (Twin of Lake Burera)

Rwanda’s Lake Ruhondo is separated from Lake Burera by a slim ridge of hills erected by lava that flowed long ago from the Virunga volcanoes. It is of a most unusual shape, perhaps resembling a scorpion wagging its tail. Scores of lodges dot its outline. Ruhondo has 10 islands, its surface altitude is 1,764 m/5,787 ft and its dimensions 9×3 km/5.6×1.9 mi.

We actually published a local expert’s story about these two lakes before, so we should feel free to jump into Uganda now …

Uganda’s Twin Lakes

Lake Chahafi (Twin of Lake Kayumbu)

Lake Chahafi is completely childless: no islands at all! To make up for this aestetic deficiency, it abounds in water lilies and bird life. Lake Chahafi Resort is the single overnight option on its shores. The water extends 2 km/1.25 miles and is 0.5 km/0.3 miles wide, lying at an altitude of 1,875 m/6,250 ft.

Lake Mulehe (Twin of Lake Mutanda)

Further north, Mulehe features two islands and one lakeshore hotel, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge. The lake sits at 1,783 m/5,850 ft and encompasses a tranquil area of 3×1 km/2×0.6 mi.

Each body of water has its own historic story to tell, both geologic and cultural, and let’s hope we get to all those one day! In the meantime, relaxing in a canoe or motorboat* you can reflect to your heart’s content on sibling rivalry. Are the smaller twins any less delightful?

* Rwanda doesn’t allow tourists in dugouts

photos by Miha Logar, Nelson Mugisha and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge