Ultimate Guide to Lake Kivu Rwanda
Ultimate Guide to Lake Kivu Rwanda: Lake Kivu is the largest freshwater lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest in Africa, it is located in the western part of Rwanda, surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters. The lake covers a surface area of 2,700 km², stretching from the north on the foothills of the Virunga Mountains down to the south near Nyungwe Forest. The lake is shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby making up the biggest part of the border between the two countries.
For those planning holiday or adventure tours in Rwanda, Lake Kivu should not miss on your trip itineraries, as it is a perfect place to relax after or in-between your adventures and safaris in Rwanda. For example, after the amazing gorilla trekking or volcano hiking in the Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Apart from being a great relaxation getaway, Lake Kivu is also becoming a top adventure destination in Rwanda, offering a number of outdoor experiences, including boat cruises, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, among others.
Places To Visit Along Lake Kivu
Rubavu is a large town on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park and the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking. Once a colonial beach resort of note, Rubavu’s waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, hotels and trendy bars on the lakeshore, ideal for sundowner cocktails.
Karongi is halfway along the lake with a popular beach resort with hillsides covered in pines and eucalyptus that serve as a backdrop to the sparkling lake. At dawn and dusk, the sound of local fishermen singing spreads across the water as they paddle in unison.
Kibuyu is a well laid-back destination along Lake Kivu. The beach is gorgeous; with clear water, warm and full of life; and the problems, though not forgotten, have ceased to completely consume its people. Accommodation is first-rate, as is the service, and there are regular boat trips out to Chapeau Napoleon, an island whose colony of fruit bats never fails to amaze travelers, and to Amahoro Island, whose name ‘One Bar’ is a literal description of what it holds.
Gisenyi and Cyangugu — Gisenyi sits at the northern tip of the lake. It’s an old, delightful town, complete with a fading colonial facade, excellent hotels and home-brewed lagers. It is also home to Imbazazi Orphanage. Formed in response to the genocide, Imbazazi has, over the years, been a refuge to thousands of orphaned children and is extremely accommodating vis-à-vis interested visitors.
Cyangugu, which lies at the other end of the lake, is more of a border town. Functional but welcoming, it is a stepping stone for any travelers on their way to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
From Rubavu in the north, the Congo Nile Trail extends 227 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes all the way to Rusizi in the south of Lake Kivu. The trail gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills and mountains beside the lake with eucalyptus trees lining the road and every inch of the hills seemingly attached with bananas.
Activities around Lake Kivu include a variety of water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing, as well as land-based options such as mountain biking or hiking on one of the 6 off-the-beaten-path stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail and visiting local islands and cultural sites like the Imbabazi Orphanage. You can also relax on the beach, take a boat cruise, or explore nearby coffee and tea plantations.
Water Activities
Water sports
Explore the tranquil waters and scenic shoreline at a relaxed pace. This is very popular activity among the tourists, with fresh waters free of deadly animals Lake Kivu is perfect for water sports like windsurfing, paddling to the islands and back, water skiing, and kayaking. Enjoy a serene way to take in the lake’s beauty on a stand-up paddleboard.
Boat tours and cruises
Take a boat tour to see scenic spots, including islands, or go on a sunset cruise. Lake Kivu is popularly known for being hippo and crocodile-free. This is attributed to the toxic gasses inside the lake’s crust; however, this creates a perfect environment for taking boat cruises on the large water body.
You have a chance to customize your boat ride for example, visiting the different islands on the lake (Napoleon Island and its famous fruit bats or Amahoro Island, also known as One Bar Island); taking a romantic evening ride while watching the sunset, or even sharing a meal floating on the water and surrounded by countless scenic features.
For thrill-seekers, jet skiing and water skiing offer a faster-paced adventure.
Fishing
Go on both traditional and sport fishing trips. You can even fish for tilapia to eat for lunch or dinner. Sport fishing is a recreational and competitive way of catching fish, where the fish that is caught is immediately released back into the waters (also known as catch and release).
This freshwater lake is home to quite an interesting and unique and versatile number of fish species like blue-spotted tilapia, Nile tilapia, Lake Tanganyika sardine, and redbreast tilapia, among others. This makes the fishing games a little more interesting in the probability of what species to catch. For those who enjoy a little competitive exercise, this will be an interesting and fun activity to do.
Swimming
Enjoy swimming in safe, designated zones. After that early morning hike or bike ride, taking a dip in the cool fresh waters is refreshing. Being free of crocodiles and hippos, the shores of the lake are great for taking a relaxing swim on a sunny, chillaxing day. With many lifeguards to provide any assistance, you can take a swim in designated areas.
Land And Cultural Activities
Hiking and nature walks:
Take a walk or hike along the shores to enjoy the views of the rolling hills and lush vegetation.
Biking:
Cycle along the lakefront, with options like the Congo Nile Trail. Lake Kivu is surrounded by lush green hills and mountains in the near distance. For a fulfilling walk and view of the lake and its beaches, a hike is the perfect sunny morning day activity.
With every turn, you get a better view of the sparkling waters and kaleidoscope of colors. This is an opportunity to know a little bit more about the history and way of living of the locals. The hills are perfect for biking and discovering new trails, interacting with the people, and of course, taking pictures from every altitude that gives a more aerial view of the lake.
Island visits:
There is so much to see on the islands and discover every unique aspect of each island. You can check out Nyiramirundi Island; this is mostly visited for coffee tours as it houses a huge coffee plantation. Get a chance to learn the process of making coffee and, if possible, enjoy a fresh cup before you head back.
You can also visit Napoleon Island: which derived its name from the close resemblance of the island’s structure to Napoleon’s hat. The island is home to bats, eagles, lots of water birds, African millipedes, and water snakes.
Amahoro Island, also known as Peace Island, is another place that you should check out. This is a great spot for hiding away and enjoying the peace and quiet. You can camp or stay at one of the hotels on the island.
Agritourism:
Visit local tea and coffee plantations to learn how they are grown and processed. This is another fun yet educative activity you can do while visiting Lake Kivu. Rwanda is a major coffee producer and exporter; this means the whole country is largely spotted with coffee plantations and this is no different from the areas surrounding Lake Kivu.
You will get to know how to pick the coffee, wash, dry, roast, and grind the coffee as well as enjoy a fresh cup of coffee that you just made. Rwanda’s beans are ranked the second-best in the world according to Home Grounds. To contribute to Rwanda’s economic development, you can purchase a bag or two to bring back home with you.
Cultural And Historical Tours
Visit the Imbabazi Orphanage to learn its history and see its work. The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 left quite many children orphans. Rosamond Carr, a foreigner but a long-time resident of the area, witnessed firsthand the suffering that followed this brutal period and the heart-breaking effects on the children that were left behind.
She started the Imbabazi Orphanage to provide shelter and help to these children. With a lot of success in helping raise children and contributing to their development, Imbabazi is of great importance to the people in this area and a huge impact on the community. You can be a part of this change by checking it out and possibly making a small donation to this drive.
Relaxation:
Simply unwind on the beach, sunbathe, or enjoy the sunset from a lakeside spot. There are so many beach hotels and hang-out spots that allow you very generous views of the lake, sunbathing, reading a book, and sipping your favorite drink to relax. Not every day is for activity; sometimes you want to sit back and just feel the sun and soft breeze on your face.
In the evening, the most overwhelming views as the sun sets over the lake will be a perfect way to end your day, catch up with your people, kick back, and get rested.
When To Visit Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu enjoys a pleasant climate all year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the lake’s natural beauty. The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, bring lush greenery but can make some activities more challenging.