Visit Lake Kivu - A Must Visit Tour Destination In Rwanda

Lake Kivu

Your Rwanda safaris is incomplete if you don’t get opportunity to visit the Lake Kivu – the country’s largest water body. This is situated close to the border of Congo and situated in the west part of the East Africa.

Even though it’s found on the boarder of these 2 countries, the largest part of lake Kivu lies in Rwanda about 4790 meters above sea level and it covers an area of about 2700 square kilometers. Its fresh waters are poured into the Ruzizi River flowing south wards into Lake Tanganyika. This makes it a unique feature on Africa’s map and it’s the main reason for an increase in Rwanda Safaris.

Lake Kivu offers stunning and beautiful scenic views of the hillsides plunging into the lake making a perfect destination to include on your travel bucketlist while on your Rwanda safari roadtrip.

What to do on Lake Kivu

Relax at the beaches

The most interesting part of the Lake Kivu is its astonishing beaches and resorts with Gisenyi beach that lies on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo acting as the most prominent to tourists. While at the lake, the fun is constant especially while on the Rwanda side because of the additional tour to the surrounding cities of Bukavu, Kibuye and Cyangungu. Relax at these amazing beaches in their beautiful palm trees. A lot of fun comes your way when you go for a cultural tour where you will get a chance of meeting the local people with a rich cultural lifestyle.

Boat cruise

You can as well embark on a boat cruise that takes you around Lake Kivu as you embrace the beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes that lie north of the place. Other great sceneries that are exposed to you as you sail on the good-looking waters include views of the surrounding villages. These give you a clear idea of a true African lifestyle and truly, it’s one of the things that you won’t forget on your Rwanda Safari. If you got time, you can also make a visit to the methane gas mines used to boost Rwanda’s energy industry and appreciate African’s creativity.

Fishing

After lunch, it is common that one may need something to relax and for sure, an evening spent at Lake Kivu is unforgettable. Have a memorable experience of fishing Nile perch while taking the cool afternoon breeze at this hilarious lake.

Kayaking

Kayaking is also at your disposal to feel the wrath of these fresh waters. This may be included on your safari itinerary but you may be require to pay a fee to enjoy some of the activities.

Birding

Bird watching at the lake shore just wraps up your Rwanda Safari as you get to listen to the sounds of the pelicans, crowned cranes, and malachite king fishers and many more.

Best time to visit Lake Kivu

You can visit Lake Kivu throughout the year but to get the best experience on your Rwanda safaris trip to this stunning destination you will need to visit during the dry season of the year.

This takes place during the months of June to September and during this time the area receives little or no rainfall making it the best time to chill and relax on the beaches

How to get to Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu can be accessed by both air and by road from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The road network in Rwanda is well developed and on your self drive Rwanda trip from Kigali to Lake Kivu, you can use the Kigali – Gisenyi – Kibuye – Cyangungu towns which leads you to the lake. It is a 3hrs- 3.5hr drive from Kigali to this Lake.

By air, you will get a chartered plane from Kigali International Airport to Gisenyi airport where you will connect to Lake Kivu. This is the easiest and shortest way you can get to Lake Kivu.

Where to stay while in Lake Kivu

Regardless of your budget, you will be able to get what matches what you had planned. Lake Kivu is has both budget, midrange and luxury accommodation options.

The accommodation options around the lake make it just worthy for both usual visitors and first time visitors.

Some of the hotels that you can choose to stay in while on your trip in Lake Kivu include Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cormoran Hotel, Moriah Hill Resort, Kivu Lodge, Paradise Marahide among others.

We are the most trusted car rental company across East Africa. We give you the most affordable car rental rates in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi.

Quick Link

get in touch

Social media :