Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is located in the western region of Rwanda, approximately 160 kilometers to the northwest of Kigali.
It is part of the Great Rift Valley and is shared by both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It encompasses an area of 2,700km2 and lies 1.460 m above sea level; its 89 km long with 48 km broad, its average depth is 220 m, and its maximum depth is 485 m.
When visiting the lake for a trip, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, such as swimming, beach sports, boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
Because it is used to move people and products between the two countries, Lake Kivu is essential to their water transportation systems, which provides a boat access (Munezero) connecting you to the other parts like Karongi and Rusizi and primate circuit of volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks.
Main Tourist Areas At Lake Kivu Include;
Gisenyi town.
Gisenyi, originally Kisenyi, is a city in Rwanda’s Western Province’s Rubavu area. It shares a border with Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On the shores of Lake Kivu, the city boasts a resort with several hotels and three sandy beaches. Water activities are also popular in the area.
The lake’s northern coast, which includes Goma and Gisenyi, is a flat plain with lava deposits from Mount Nyiragongo eruptions.
Gisenyi is located in the northeast corner of the lake in the foothills, and low-density expansion is occurring in the hills, which are expected to be protected from future eruptions.
Gisenyi is also home to Bralirwa, which makes a range of local beers such as Primus, Mützig, Amstel, and Guinness, as well as Coca-Cola-branded soft drinks.
Kibuye Town.
Kibuye is a village in western Rwanda on the beaches of Lake Kivu, offering excellent views of the lake and a noteworthy halting station on the Congo Nile track, a popular hiking or biking track that connects Gisenyi and Kamembe. You can also visit the Ndaba Falls, which are located close the town.
Karongi Town
Karongi is possibly Rwanda’s most popular beach vacation destination for families from elsewhere in the country.
With its spectacular landscapes, tranquil surroundings, and easy access to Kigali.
The beautiful lake is surrounded by hillsides covered in pines and eucalyptus, and there is accommodation to suit all budgets.
The sound of local fishermen singing drifts over the sea at dawn and dusk as they kayak together.
This is a place where busy minds can relax, occasionally looking up from a good book to see the birds or the changing hues of the lake as the sun sets on the other side.
Kayaks are offered for rent at various hotels for those looking to stay active.
Boats take small groups to Napoleon’s Island, which has a fruit bat colony, or to one of Amahoro Island’s eateries.
Go night fishing or kayaking with the villagers after dark for a wonderful experience on the lake.
These are a few safari things to include when visiting Lake Kivu.
Gorilla trekking and Lake Kivu in Volcanoes National Park.
A traveler can easily combine a trip to Lake Kivu with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park near Musanze, given the park’s close proximity to Gisenyi.
Volcanoes National Park is within an hour’s drive from Gisenyi Town.
Lake Kivu in Gisenyi town is a wonderful location for bird-watching excursions.
It offers visitors breathtaking, beautiful views of the surrounding islands and a wide range of bird species.
You may enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the lake.
Activities available around Lake Kivu include cycling, coffee and tea trips, and guided nature walks.
The lake has beaches, so you may relax and unwind while sipping a cold cocktail drink.
Hiking and gorilla viewing in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Another entry point to the lake, which is near Nyungwe Forest National Park, is Kibuye Town.
This also makes it feasible to go on a chimpanzee trekking excursion in Nyungwe National Park.
After tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest or Cyamudongo Forest, you can continue and make the approximately two and a half-hour trip to Lake Kivu in Kibuye.
Exploring the gorgeous islands on Lake Kivu and seeing some of the tea farms within the vicinity.
The Nyungwe Forest National Park offers other activities like hiking, nature walks, canopy tours, and bird watching.
Booking and Planning Your Trip to Volcanoes National Park with Gecko Safaris Africa
If you’re looking to experience all the incredible activities at Volcanoes National Park and its surroundings, Gecko Safaris Africa is a perfect choice for planning and booking your adventure.
We specialize in providing tailor-made tours that include everything from gorilla trekking and volcano hiking to cultural experiences and nearby excursions.
