LAKE KIVU
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
GISENYI AND KIBUYE
There are two nice overnight locations on the extensive coastal strip of Lake Kivu. The town of Gisenyi is located in the far north. After the capital Kigali, this is the largest city in the country! Due to its location near the popular Volcanoes National Park, this place has developed as a location with good tourist facilities. There are plenty of accommodation options along the shores of the lake, which also have beautiful private beaches. An ideal location to recover from impressions gained in the Volcanoes National Park. From Gisenyi, also visit the Pfunda Tea Estate or start a walk along the Congo Nile Trail.
The authentic town of Kibuye, now better known as Karongi, is only visited by few tourists. Yet it has a fantastic location, which is particularly interesting as a stopover on the way from Nyungwe Forest to the impressive Volcanoes National Park. Kibuye/Karongi is surrounded by beautiful hills and there are beautiful peninsulas in the lake. Here, travelers can experience authentic Rwanda better than anywhere else. Children playing on the waterfront, local fishermen with their beautiful fishing boats and women working on the plantations: here you get a special insight into rural life. Here too, travelers can hike part of the Congo Nile Trail, spot birds on Napoleon’s Island or simply enjoy the beautiful view.
Kayaking
Exploring the coastline of Lake Kivu by kayak is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the scenery, gazing up at the mountainous backdrop from the tranquility of the water.
Birds dart in and out of the bushes whilst fisherman mend their nets on the shore in the daytime. At sunset, the local fishermen paddle out in unison, their rousing song carrying across the water, to return the next morning with their catch.
Boat trip to the islands
Peace island, Napoleon island
Off the coast of Kibuye lies Napoleons Island, a small island rich in many bird species. It is possible to sail to the island with a local boat in about thirty minutes, after which you will receive a tour and look for the various birds. A fun day trip that also offers a surprising view of the rolling hills of the mainland.
Visit hot springs
The Nyamyumba Hot Springs are hot springs that are located in Gisenyi in Rubavu district.
The local community holds these hot springs at high regard and associate them with healing and spiritual importance.
They call these hot springs the magical waters because of the said healing powers attained from the water at this site. It is a common site to find the local swimming semi dress or completely nude taking a “healing bath” in these waters. The waters of these hot springs can also boil an egg at some points so be sure to pass by for the experience.
Relax at thebeach
When in Rwanda, do like the locals and head for one of Lake Kivu’s beaches. Lake Kivu is a one of the Great Lakes of Africa, yet differently to most of the lakes in the neighbouring African countries there are no wild animals in Lake Kivu. What also makes it stand out is that there are many beaches for swimming on its shores. As Rwanda is a landlocked country, many people will look to the Lake Kivu Beaches when it comes to swimming. No matter if you are looking for a beach within a full serviced resort, a well occupied city beach or a hidden beach for complete solitude, Lake Kivu has something for you.