Lake Kivu is shared by Congo and Rwanda. Its facts are awe-inspiring. Rwanda is a small landlocked country located in the heart of East Africa and literally in the middle of the African continent. Despite its small size, Rwanda has everything needed to make your African holiday memorable. With an abundance of white sandy beaches, luxurious accommodation facilities, a variety of wildlife, sprawling landscapes, and extremely warm people, Rwanda offers more than just mountain gorillas. The lake boasts beautiful beaches and numerous accommodation options.
Safaris to Lake Kivu
10-day Vacation in Rwanda, 8-day Primates Safari in Rwanda, 5-day Rwanda Primates Safari
More Information & Facts about Lake Kivu
Rwanda has some of the most hospitable people any traveler will ever meet. Despite the genocide tragedy they faced, the people have remained positive and resilient—a trait evident in their demeanor. While Rwanda has been primarily marketed as a gorilla safari destination and the “land of a thousand hills,” it holds hidden treasures yet to be fully explored. From the Musanze caves and wildlife in Akagera National Park to the sparkling Lake Kivu.
Despite Rwanda having several water bodies like lakes and rivers, it offers much more to travelers seeking relaxed holidays. These include Lake Ihema, Lake Kivu, numerous crater lakes, and a notable number of rivers that traverse all corners of the country.
The beauty of Lake Kivu has not received the attention it deserves, yet it is one of the African Great Lakes. Located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest and the sixth largest lake in Africa. Despite this, it attracts fewer tourists than expected, perhaps because not enough effort has been made to showcase its splendor.
A safari in Rwanda provides a unique opportunity to explore Lake Kivu’s irregular shores, which form numerous peninsulas and countless waterfalls. Situated within the great Albertine Rift, Lake Kivu is surrounded by various mountain peaks covered with lush vegetation, creating stunning scenery.
Lake Kivu is home to the 10th largest inland island, Idjwi, and the small island of Tchegera located on the boundaries of Virunga National Park. Unlike other lakes fed by outside inlets, Lake Kivu is served by underground water.
The highlight of a safari to Lake Kivu is driving through the towns around the lake. The scenic route between Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park winds along the Congo-Nile trail, stretching from Gisenyi to the Changugu border in Bukavu.
Every corner offers another charming view, accompanied by waves and smiles from bystanders that make you feel warmly welcomed at the end of your Rwanda safari to Lake Kivu. Children calling out “Abazungu!” (a Kinyarwanda word for “white people”) as you pass by adds to the humbling and unforgettable experience.
Along the lake shores, tourists enjoy amazing and relaxing speed boat rides. After a stunning drive through the hills, cool off with a refreshing ride on Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake.
Visiting Lake Kivu complements a gorilla safari perfectly. After trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and experiencing the Iby’Iwacu cultural village and Musanze caves, unwind at the beautiful yet simple beaches of Lake Kivu.
Rwanda offers few places where you can breathe fresher and fairly warm air than the volcanoes. It is indeed a beautiful country with numerous amazing sights and experiences. If you’re anywhere close to or within the country, Lake Kivu should definitely be on your bucket list.
