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Facts About Lake Kivu
Well known for offering fantastic Rwanda beach holidays, Lake Kivu features a rocky coast and various islands, the biggest of which is Idjwi. The lake was originally part of a bigger body of water that covered a trough in the Earth’s structure.
Located in the Albertine Rift (the western arm of the East African Rift Valley, Lake Kivu is one of the two smallest African Great Lakes. The lake lies on Rwanda’s border (to the east) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (to the west). Known for its scenic beauty, Lake Kivu covers 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 sq. mi) and is about 90 kilometers (55 mi) long and 50 kilometers (30 mi) wide. However, 58% of the lake’s waters, about 1,370 square kilometers lie in DR. Congo. Lake Kivu sits at an altitude of 1,470 meters above sea level, from an average depth of 220 meters to 475 meters; making it Africa’s third deepest lake, with the highest altitude.
Well known for offering fantastic Rwanda beach holidays, Lake Kivu features a rocky coast and various islands, the biggest of which is Idjwi. The lake was originally part of a bigger body of water that covered a trough in the Earth’s structure. However, as a result of volcanic activity, a barrier along its northern coast formed, partitioning Kivu from Lake Edward. The barrier blocked Kivu’s northern outflow and channeled its drainage to the south into Lake Tanganyika through the Ruzizi (Rusizi) River.
Lake Kivu was discovered to contain around 55 billion m3 of dissolved biogas. It was first discovered by a German Explorer – Count Adolf von Götzen in 1894 and while hosts plenty of fish, the lake is devoid of wildlife, yet abundant in volcanic components. Its deep waters contain large amounts of dissolved methane gases that might be used as energy sources.
Lake Kivu is home to 28 different kinds of fish and four different types of freshwater crabs. Its coasts are heavily inhabited, with the main towns in Congo being Bukavu and Goma, and Rwanda’s being Gisenyi.
However, the biodiversity of the lake is being threatened by human activities on a major scale through deforestation of the lake’s bank, incorrect use of agrochemicals, pesticides, soil erosion, and poor sewage water treatment, you name it.
How was Lake Kivu Formed?
Formed about 15,000 years ago, Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake that, along with Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun in Cameroon, is known to experience limnic eruptions. The formation of Lake Kivu is uncertain, however volcanic activity and climate change are both suggested processes. It is said that some geologists discovered evidence of significant local extinctions every thousand years around the lake, likely triggered by outgassing episodes. Moreover, each erupting lake has its gaseous chemical makeup; and as a result of lake water contact with volcanic hot springs, Lake Kivu comprises methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
How many Islands does Lake Kivu Have?
Lake Kivu is home to a total of 250 islands, according to data gathered from the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA). Out of these, only 56 islands are situated on Rwanda’s portion of the lake and the rest are located in DR Congo. The geological makeup of these magnificent islands is akin to the magnificence of the hills that surround the lake.
Lake Kivu islands encompass an area of 315 square kilometers and the largest island which is Idjwi Island spans over 200 square kilometers. Idjwi island is Africa’s second largest lake island, after Lake Victoria’s Ukerewe Island which covers 530 square kilometers.
How Dangerous is Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu is believed to contain 65 cubic kilometers (16 cubic mi) of methane laced with deadly hydrogen sulfide; which, if burned for a year, would provide an average power of around 100 gigatonnes (130106 horsepower). The lake also contains an estimated 300 cubic kilometers (61 cubic miles) of carbon dioxide, which, if released during an eruption event, may smother all lakeshore residents. The gorgeous lake has the potential to explode with these gases in a rare phenomenon known as a limnic eruption. Lake Kivu contains about 2.6 gigatonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to nearly 5% of worldwide annual greenhouse-gas emissions. Worse, such a tragedy may cover the neighboring valley with stifling and deadly gas, perhaps claiming the lives of millions.
Several experts have long regarded Lake Kivu as a perpetual time bomb owing to the risk of a disastrous explosion; whereas, others described it as a bottle of carbonated drink that produces gas when shaken. The emission of Lake Kivu’s high concentrations of dispersed gases might prove disastrous. Nonetheless, a variety of global investors have since seen the opportunity: for instance, in 2004, the gas was extracted on a modest scale and some of it was used to power boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi. But for large-scale utilization, the Rwandan government has reached an agreement with a variety of stakeholders to manufacture methane from the lake. One of them is ContourGlobal, a UK-based energy firm focused on emerging countries. The firm received project finance in 2011 to begin a large-scale methane extraction operation. This project is overseen by KivuWatt, a Rwandan company that uses an offshore barge platform to collect, isolate, and purify the gasses extracted from the lake bed before pumping purified methane to on-shore gas engines through an undersea conduit.
The first stage of the project has been completed and it involves powering three plants along the lake’s edge. The project generates 26 MW of electricity for the local grid. The next phase which is to deploy nine more 75 MW gensets, for a total capacity of 101 MW, is yet to be launched.
Are there crocodiles in Lake Kivu?
No! there are no crocodiles in Lake Kivu or even hippos or any other dangerous creatures. Sharks do not exist in fresh water, and jellyfish are uncommon in this region. This makes lake Kivu a remarkable site for all kinds of water tourist activities, local people who live near its beaches, and fish in its water. Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake and thus it has safe pure water for consumption. This lake is one of those bodies of water that may be safely converted into playgrounds.
At Lake Kivu, tourists may enjoy a variety of our favorite water activities without having to worry about being attacked by predators.
What Tourist Activities are done on Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s largest lakes and being free of hippos or crocodiles, the lake is one of the greatest locations to swim safely while still enjoying a range of water-based sports. Lake Kivu is the center for Rwanda beach holidays, teeming with a variety of watersport activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boat rides, island hopping, coffee tours, cultural and community tours, hiking and cycling, bird-watching, sport fishing, beach games, and swimming, to mention but a few.
How can I Get to Lake Kivu?
You can get to Lake Kivu by plane as well as by road from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. By road, you will spend 3 hours driving from Kigali to Lake Kivu on a well-tarmacked route. One can also access Lake Kivu through the cities of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu. Furthermore, public transportation is also accessible from Kigali city; you may take a bus from Kigali city to Kibuye, Changugu, or Gishenyi. Buses from these towns to Lake Kivu run regularly.
Air, tourists can also reach Lake Kivu through chartered aircraft from Kigali’s international airport. One may take a chartered flight from Kigali to Gisenyi airport, where you will be connected to Lake Kivu for leisure and exploration by either public or private transfers, depending on your travel package.
When is the best Time to Visit Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu is located on Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and, if you’re planning a Rwanda safari holiday to the Lake, the dry seasons are the ideal time to visit the gorgeous lake. The hottest months of June through August through October are the finest seasonal months to visit Lake Kivu. These months feature cool temperatures and clear sunny days, with temperatures ranging between 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, Lake Kivu is a fantastic Rwanda safari destination that can be visited at any time of the year. All this depends on your travel interests.
Where to Stay in Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu has numerous accommodation facilities, the majority of which are distinctively and beautifully positioned on the lake’s beaches; giving excellent panoramic views of the lake and its environs. The accommodation facilities that you take into account for your comfortable stay range from luxury to midrange, and standard accommodations; all featuring impressive scenic views and an exceptional and calm atmosphere. Some of our picks for Lake Kivu accommodation facilities include;
Kivu Paradise Resort;
Situated in Gisenyi, this luxury hotel is a suitable moderate hideaway option to consider for a stay while visiting Lake Kivu. The lodge features a tranquil environment on the beaches of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, on amazingly beautiful grounds, and gives stunning views of the lake. The hotel’s rooms are made and furnished distinctively with traditional woods and art and crafts that are pondered with a modest combination of modern comfort that makes your stay rustic and pleasurable.
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel;
This recently established standard hotel overlooks the gorgeous Lake Kivu from the hillside, providing solitude. The hotel is for those who want to discover the Lake Kivu charm hidden in its beautiful vistas, which can be experienced from every part of its facilities. This exquisite establishment has a total of 18 rooms that are divided into three distinct categories: Apartment, Villa, and King Suite. Each room is child-friendly and equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, and other amenities.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel;
This luxury hotel sits on the beaches of this lovely Lake in Gisenyi/Rubavu, with a wonderful private beach area. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers an exclusively luxurious and incomparable experience of warm and superb services that bring you a lifelong pleasant stay while on Rwanda beach holidays. The hotel has several large superior and family rooms, as well as executive suites, all of which are furnished with rich and lavish comfortable furnishings that will make your stay blissful.
