Burera

Burera is a district in the Northern Province of Rwanda, known for its spectacular scenery. It is home to the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo, two photogenic lakes surrounded by steep, terraced hills that offer dramatic views. The district capital is Cyeru. The region is located at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes and benefits from fertile volcanic soils well-suited for growing potatoes, beans, and vegetables. The lakes are not only a tourist attraction but are also used to generate hydropower. Tourism in Burera focuses on boat trips, bird watching, and visiting the nearby volcanoes. The town of Cyeru is a small administrative center, but the region is gaining importance due to its natural beauty.

Nearby cities

Musanze

The main city in the north is the gateway to the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Gicumbi

A high-altitude agricultural center where green tea and high-quality wheat are primarily cultivated.

Kinigi

This base camp for tourists is located right next to the Volcanoes National Park and benefits massively from ecotourism.

Base

Its strategically advantageous location halfway to the north makes this place a popular rest stop for travelers.

Rwaza

An important historical place in the north, looking back on a long mission history and the construction of old churches.

Kivuruga

A significant rural commercial center on the north-south transport axis, characterized by agricultural markets.

Gatuna

The busiest border crossing to Uganda, which handles a large part of the national imports via the Northern Corridor.

Gakenke

This mountainous town is famous for its excellent premium coffee, which wins awards worldwide.

Rukozo

A high-altitude agricultural center in Gicumbi, known for extremely steep terraced fields and dense morning fog.

Miyove

A growing settlement in the northern mountains, whose economy is increasingly driven by modern agro-industrial cooperatives.

Rulindo

An emerging community near the capital, whose economy benefits from coffee processing and mining.

History & landmarks

Ruhengeri Cathedral

The main cathedral of the Diocese of Ruhengeri in the city of Musanze, a major hub for gorilla trekking tourists.

Sorwathe Tea Factory

One of the oldest and largest tea factories in Rwanda, surrounded by picturesque tea estates, making a major contribution to the agricult…

Nature

Akagera River

A significant tributary of the Nile that flows through the Akagera National Park.

Akagera Wetlands

An extensive swamp and wetland area along the Akagera River.

Lake Ihema

The largest lake in Akagera National Park, known for its rich wildlife.

Rurubu River

A significant river that flows through southeastern Rwanda.

More places

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Liberation Museum Mulindi

The former headquarters of the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) during the liberation war.

Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village

A reconstructed village that preserves and showcases traditional Rwandan culture, dances, and lifestyle.

Pots of Rubingo

An archaeological site with ancient hollows carved into stone, indicating an early settlement of the region.

Pfunda Tea Estate

One of the most productive tea factories near Rubavu, exporting premium black tea.

Bralirwa Brewery Rubavu

Rwanda's largest and oldest commercial brewery, located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

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Rubavu Port

Major inland port on Lake Kivu for trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Rutsiro Coltan Mine

A mining area for coltan, essential for the global electronics industry.

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KivuWatt Power Plant

A unique power plant that uses methane gas from Lake Kivu to generate electricity.