Lake Kivu, is one of Rwanda’s fresh water bodies, located on the western ends of Rwanda, bordering Rwanda and DR Congo, part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Lake Kivu and Tourism.
In recent years, Lake Kivu has drawn a lot of tourism attention, with major watersports being put in place. The beautiful islands and great bird life has boosted the boat ride adventure on Lake Kivu. Being in between Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park, most trips that have both parks in between their itineraries have included an activity always on Lake Kivu.
Rubavu – previously known as Gisenyi – 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. Activities such as boat paddling, Kayaking, night fishing on Lake Kivu, coffee tours to Kinunu and Cymbiri, plus boat rides on Lake Kivu, have attracted a number of tourists to the area. Some of the beautiful lodges include, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Paradise Kivu, Paradise Malahide, Inzu lodge, and much more.
It is as well very easy to drive and visit Lake Kivu, as part of your gorilla trekking safari, in case you have no time to stay over.
Karongi, – half way along the lake, is a popular beach resort with hillsides covered in pines and eucalyptus serve as a backdrop to the sparkling lake. At dawn and dusk, the sound of local night fisherman singing carries across the water as they paddle in unison. The three fishing boats for the night fishermen, is a great attraction in Karongi. Just like Rubavu, Karongi, is a real gem for water sports on Lake Kivu, with the boat ride to Napoleon Island being the leading adventure in the area. As you explore Lake Kivu with One More Adventure Safaris, you will get to learn more about Lake Kivu, with its numerous attractions, a perfect getaway. Karongi, has some of the most beautiful accommodation around, since it is a great place for relaxation after chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest as part of your Rwanda safari. Some of the accommodations include Cormoran Lodge, Cleo Kivu Hotel, Moriah Hills Resort, Inn The Lake Hotel, Bethany Hotel, to mention but a few. Those doing gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Bienga National Park in DRC, often relax in Karongi, after their lowland gorilla trekking, before they proceed with the next day drive to Kigali for their departure.
The Congo Nile Trail.
From Rubavu in the north, the Congo Nile Trail extends 227 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes all the way to Rusizi in the south of Lake Kivu. The Congo Nile 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 terraced with bananas.
For adventurous travellers, an exciting way to explore Rwanda is a kayaking tour on Lake Kivu, or mountain biking or hiking one of the 6 off-the-beaten path stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail, which takes you across the country side, rewarding you’re a great community experience. You can as well do a coffee tour along the way as you hike, and have great experience of the farms. A drive along the Kivu belt itself is breathtaking, with an epic view of Lake Kivu and DRC. You can take a look at our Congo Nile Trail hiking tour, and see how the Congo Nile trail hiking is conducted on Lake Kivu belt. A number of budget accommodations do exist along the trails.
Explore Lake Kivu with One More Adventure Safaris, and get to visit the hidden secret of this beautiful lake.
Karongi – Rubavu.
For those who would wish to connect from Karongi (Kibuye) to Rubavu (Gisenyi) or vice versa, the Lake Kivu boat ride is definitely the best way to do it, which rewards you with a great experience of exploring the Lake as well connecting you with the shortest time as possible in a friendly budget way.
Boat ride from Karongi to Gisenyi, can easily be arranged by our team at One More Adventure Safaris, please speak to one of our tour consultants, and have this included on your Rwanda safaris itinerary.
Giving people the chance to cruise around Lake Kivu in a wooden motorized local boat and take insights they have never seen before is something we never get tired of doing. The look of excitement and amazement never fades, and it’s something we want to try and help everyone experience. So come and join us for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime! We guarantee an amazing day.
