The canoe ride trip can be either done at Mukungwe River or at Lake Burera. A half-day adventure in lush countryside, on a gentle river near to Musanze!

Mukungwe River canoe trip!

Set in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, discover a special way to travel, soak up impressive views, watch abundant birds and look out for the otters, meet friendly communities and find just a little excitement in our modern canoes. Choose a morning or afternoon start and have a great time in the heart of the Rwandan countryside. Children from seven years are very welcome.

With an experienced guide who will give you with full instruction, the whole trip from pick up to return lasts about 4 hours – with about 2½ – 3 hours on the water. And don’t worry; there are no hippos or crocs in the water. Just a couple of hours from Kigali, this is the perfect activity for your trip to Rwanda the day before or after you visit the gorillas as it’s less than 30 minutes from all the main hotels near the Volcanoes National Park HQ.

Burera canoe ride trip!

Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhundo in Musanze can be visited after Gorilla tracking or after Golden monkey tracking for one of amazing adventure on a local canoe with local professional guides who will take you through a canoe trip to these great twin lakes that will create a perfect part of your trip in addition to your gorilla safari.

While you are on a safari in Rwanda, you can visit the island, where you will get a boat or dugout canoe ride to the respective island in lakes Ruhondo and Burera which do exist between Musanze and the Ugandan border and usually referred to as the twin lakes; Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo.

Enjoy the nice scenery and bring packed lunch and have a picnic at the island. Discover nature in traditional canoe, enjoy the breathtaking landscape, wetland habitat and quite a number of water birds can be sited around as you enjoy the ride on the canoe, with nearly 40 species of birds found along the river, experienced birders regularly sight over 20 mostly aquatic species on any single trip

Our local guides are very helpful. As well as giving you an insight into the places you visit, they will show you where to go, look after you and help in any way that they can.

You’re provided with full instruction, and canoeing is very easy, so you don’t need any previous experience. Your experienced guide will help you enjoy your time on the water.

Please note:

  • No experience is needed, but you should be reasonably fit and mobile. So, for example, if you’ve trekked to see the gorillas or are happy to ride a bicycle around town, this trip should be suitable for you.
  • We need to leave promptly, so please be ready on time. There are no refunds for missed departures.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and wear light clothes – such as shorts and a T—shirt that can get wet. A raincoat in the wet season and a towel and some dry clothes to change into at the end, just in case, are also a good idea.
  • Most people go barefoot in the canoes, but footwear is necessary for when you get out at the end. Sandals work well and flip flops are ok.
  • Please leave behind your jewellery, phones, cameras and anything else that could be damaged by water or lost if it doesn’t float!
  • We provide courtesy dry bags for your important documents. However, please don’t rely on them for phones or other electronic items and check them carefully as they can be damaged and fail.
  • In the wet season, whilst mornings are usually dry, rain is common in the afternoons. Thunderstorms tend to pass quickly, so we don’t cancel trips because it’s raining – even if it is heavy rain.​