Lake Kivu, Rwanda, Africa

Basic Facts - Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Lake Kivu, French Lac Kivu, one of the great lakes of East Africa, situated between Congo (Kinshasa) to the west and Rwanda to the east. Lying at 4,790 feet (1,460 m) above sea level, it occupies 1,040 square miles (2,700 square km) and is 55 miles (90 km) long (north-south) and 30 miles wide (east-west). From an average depth of 722 feet (220 m), it plunges to a maximum of 1,558 feet (475 m). Lake Kivu has a rough, jagged coast and contains numerous islands, the largest of which is Idjwi. It was at one time part of a larger body of water that filled a structural trough in the Earth. Volcanic outpourings along its northern shore created a dam that separated Kivu from Lake Edward (Lake Idi Amin Dada), barred Kivu’s northern outflow, and reversed its drainage to the south through the Ruzizi (Rusizi) River into Lake Tanganyika.

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More About Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Rwanda's western side is bounded by Lake Kivu, one of a string of huge freshwater lakes which lie along Africa's Great Rift Valley. Dominating the border between Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo); Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth largest lake in Africa. The real joy of this area is driving between the towns, and it’s a lovely option for a slower route between Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills and mountains beside the lake from Gisenyi all the way to Cyangugu, with Kibuye almost at its centre point.

Every corner produces another gorgeous view. Eucalyptus trees line the road, while every inch of the hills seems to be terraced with bananas. The lakeside town of Gisenyi doesn’t get a lot of visitors, but those that take the time to spend a few days to relax on the shores of Lake Kivu will be rewarded with wonderful views and a quiet slow-paced setting. Gisenyi makes for a nice stopping point for travelers making their way from Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park.

Lake Kivu is 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. At Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, we are committed to providing you with the experience of a lifetime, from beautifully appointed accommodations to a diverse range of activities and excursions that capture the history, culture and natural beauty of Rwanda. Popular places around the lake include; 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. 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 fisherman singing carries across the water as they paddle in unison. 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 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 more information regarding Lake Kivu, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.

Several lakes exist in Rwanda and tourists can enjoy the scenic and serene views of these marvelous Lakes. They include Lake Kivu (largest fresh water lake in Rwanda). Its outstanding Inland body of water together with the beach offers the best relaxation time for tourists. Water sports including canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing take place while at this Lake. The twin lakes of Rwanda (Lake Ruhondo and Burera) are also worth visiting when in Rwanda. Activities like canoeing, birding, boating and fishing are conducted in these twin lakes. Lake Muhazi (one and a half hour drive from Kigali) offers another favorable option of lakes in Rwanda. There are Jambo and Rwesero beaches at this Lake. With more than 30 species of birds recorded in this Lake, it offers an interesting bird watching time to tourists. Other activities include Boating, fishing and camping.

Boat Trips: 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. Boat rides to Lake Kivu Islands and the coffee farms. Paradise Islands Cruise – 30-minute ride (with a potential for sundowner cocktails). Boat ride to Kibuye – 3-hour ride via speedboat.

Guided Expeditions: Trekking or driving on designated routes along the lake (on request – arranged with Marines). Guided nature walks on Rubavu Mountain – on request. Guided tour of Gisenyi City.

Volcanoes National Park: A 45-minute drive from the hotel, Volcanoes National Park offers volcano trekking and the famous gorilla-trekking tour.

Volcanic Hot Springs: Referred to as “magic waters,” the Amashuza Hot Springs are a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The minerals in these waters are known to contain medicinal values and a soak is thought to heal muscle disorders and numerous other ailments..

AfriChoice operates a wide range of carefully designed tours and safaris to Lake Kivu by providing transport and booking a hotel for you. Our safari consultants will always be at your assistance should you need a tailor-made holiday to this unique destination. NB: For more information regarding Lake Kivu, DO NOT hesitate to Contact Us.