Exploring the beauty of Lake Kivu.
Nestled in the Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Kivu is a natural wonder and a true adventure capital of Rwanda that lies at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is one of Africa’s great lakes, ranking sixth largest, with a total surface area of approximately 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles), 90 kilometers (55 miles) long, and 50 kilometers (30 miles) wide.
This breathtaking lake is known for its scientific interests and discoveries as one of the world’s three exploding lakes that occasionally experiences rare lake retracts, believed to be strongly associated with volcanic activity in the region.
What makes Lake Kivu distinct is its unique chemical composition, rich in methane gas and carbon dioxide. This extraordinary natural feature has aroused a progressive project by the Rwandan government to extract methane on a large scale. This initiative mainly aims at boosting Rwanda’s energy production, probably increasing it up to 20 times, and creating opportunities to export electricity to neighbouring African countries.
Beyond the scientific and economic importance, Lake Kivu is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a mix of breathtaking scenery, adventure, and cultural disclosures. Whether you’re exploring the blissful shores, enjoying a relaxing boat ride, or learning about its interesting geology, Lake Kivu offers a memorable and relaxed experience while on East Africa safari.
From the strenuous hikes in the Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park the two main habitats of the different primates in Rwanda, Lake Kivu is a real joy and relaxation option. The road to this amazing lake gently curves through terraced hills and mountains from Gisenyi to Changugu with Kibuye almost at the center. Every part of the roadside provides a wonderful view of lined eucalyptus trees and extensive coffee and tea plantations on the hill slopes.
Rubavu also known as Gisenyi is the shore-strand town on Lake Kivu, just an hour drive from Volcanoes National Park, has peaceful beaches where you can relax as you watch fishing boats as you also spot village communities that you can interestingly explore.
Rubavu is the starting point of the Congo Nile trail that covers 227 km, the longest trail that connects to Nyungwe National Park. the trail offers other simpler/smaller hiking and biking trails for those interested in more wilderness adventure experiences. More explorations in Rubavu are the vast tea and coffee plantations and processing plants where travellers can interact with the local community for the coffee or tea processing and tasting experience.
As you proceed down the lake is Karongi commonly known as Kibuye, a town almost halfway between Rubavu and Chyangugu. Karongi is also called “Rwanda’s Bay of Islands”. Many of the islands visited from Kibuye are covered with natural woodlands that have several wildlife creatures like animals, birds, and the exceptional colony of bats.
The best way to explore Lake Kivu is going on a boat excursion. A scenic cruise on lake Kivu is an opportunity to enjoy the lake and some of the great activities like sailing, site seeing and bird watching. This place is one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the cool night breeze.
Before going for a boat cruise, you should know the safety tips and regulations of the safari on the lake, such as the boating rules, what to bring, the best times of the day when the water is very calm, the weather forecast of the day, and the estimated distance from the shores to the island you wish to have your expedition. A boat cruise on the lake brings you up close to different marine creatures. Boats are rented for either a day, a week or hours depending on your interest and the time you are to spend in the “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
Whether you are looking for relaxation or exploration Lake Kivu will provide a memorable floating experience.
Three-day trip to Lake Kivu.
This is an ideal safari for visitors looking for relaxation and adventure on the west side of Rwanda. This safari leads you to a serene freshwater body that is shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. This lake is a good stopover for travel from the primate parks, either Nyungwe or Volcanoes National Park. this trip can also be tailored to Akagera National Park or any cultural adventure in the country.
Trip highlights
- Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Kibuye (Karongi) – night fishing
- Day 2:Visit Ndaba Rock and Waterfall – afternoon boat cruise
- Day 3:Transfer to Kigali and departure.
Trip details
Day 1:Drive From Kigali to Kibuye
On this first day as you head for a relaxation trip to Lake Kivu, your driver guide will be ready to pick you up from the airport or hotel in Kigali and take you through a simple briefing about the trip. After the briefing, you will set off.
You may decide to have a brief stopover at the Kigali Genocide Memorial site for information about the 1994 Rwanda genocide, another simple stop at Kimironko market or any craft centre, and then proceed on a 3-4 hours voyage to Kibuye.
On arrival check into the hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the evening late evening and the first hours of the night, from 6 – 9 pm, relax at the lake shores as you enjoy the beautiful sunset and later watch the local fishermen practice night fishing on the lake using traditional fishing methods. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the sparkling reflections on the water that create unmatched serenity. Later return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Visit Ndaba Rocks and waterfall – afternoon boat cruise
After an early morning breakfast, take a drive to Ndaba rocks and waterfall, a fascinating cultural site found 28 kilometers from Karongi. This rock is also called “Urutare rwa Ndaba”. When you reach this place, the local guides in the area will take you through a brief history of the rock and why it is called so. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the sprawling waterfall on the rock.
From here return to Kibuye, go to the accommodation for lunch, and later an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Kivu. While on the cruise, enjoy the fresh waters of the lake as you spot several bird species. You may decide to visit an island or even simply relax on the sandy beaches,
swim in the lake, go kayaking, or sport fishing. Later, connect back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali and departure.
On this last day of your safari, wake up at your leisure, have breakfast, and drive slowly back to Kigali as you enjoy the beautiful countryside. If time is by your side, you can have a stopover at a tea plantation for a brief explanation about tea processing or even sip a cup.
Proceed to Kigali and drop off at your hotel or Airport for your flight back home.
Trip inclusions
- Fuelled safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation and meals on full board as per the itinerary
- Fees for activities in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water
Trip Exclusions
- Flight tickets and visas
- All items of a personal nature like insurance, laundry, tips, and souvenirs
