Lake Kivu sits on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo, Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa. Despite being one of Africa’s Great Lakes, it draws fewer visitors than its size and setting would suggest, offering a quieter alternative to Rwanda’s better-known gorilla trekking circuit.
Why Visit Lake Kivu
Rwanda is often marketed primarily as a gorilla trekking destination, but the country holds more than that, including Musanze Caves, Akagera National Park’s wildlife, and the beaches and scenery of Lake Kivu. The lake’s irregular shoreline forms numerous peninsulas and small waterfalls, set within the Albertine Rift and surrounded by mountains covered in dense vegetation.
Geography and Islands
Lake Kivu is home to Idjwi, the world’s 10th largest inland island, along with the smaller Tchegera Island near the edge of Virunga National Park. Unusually for a lake this size, Kivu is fed primarily by underground water sources rather than surface inlets, giving it a distinct hydrology compared to most other Great Lakes in the region.
The Congo-Nile Trail
One of the more rewarding ways to experience Lake Kivu is by driving the towns along its shore, following the scenic Congo-Nile Trail between Gisenyi and the Cyangugu border near Bukavu. The route connects naturally with a Rwanda gorilla safari, since it runs close to both Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park, and passes through small towns and villages along the way.
Activities on Lake Kivu
Speed boat rides along the shoreline are a popular way to cool off after a day of driving through the surrounding hills, and the lake’s beaches offer a simple, low-key alternative to more built-up coastal destinations elsewhere in East Africa.
Combining Lake Kivu With Gorilla Trekking
Lake Kivu works well as a follow-on to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a trek, a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and Musanze Caves, travelers can head to Lake Kivu for a slower-paced few days by the water before continuing their trip or heading home.
Book Your Lake Kivu Experience
As one of Rwanda’s lesser-visited highlights, Lake Kivu offers a relaxed contrast to gorilla trekking and volcano hiking elsewhere in the country. Book your Lake Kivu experience with our team today, and we’ll help you pair it with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a wider Rwanda itinerary.
