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Things to do in Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is known as one of the most scenic lakes in Rwanda boasting beautiful white sand beaches, terraced hills, breathtaking volcanic islands, and heavily populated fishing villages, you name it; all giving travelers on Rwanda safaris, the perfect feel of an African beach safari holiday.
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Located in western Rwanda, Lake Kivu is the largest lake and a popular tourist destination in Rwanda; featuring top-notch African tourist attractions and activities. Spanning across Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the lake is one of the African Great Lakes and it lies in the Albertine rift – the western arm of the East African Rift Valley.
Lake Kivu covers a total surface area of 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles), making it the eighth-largest lake in Africa. However, 58 percent of the lake’s waters lie within DRC. The lake further sits at a height of 1,460m (4,790 ft) above sea level. Its lake bed lies on a rift valley that is slowly cracking, as a result of volcanic activity in the area.
Lake Kivu is known as one of the most scenic lakes in Rwanda boasting beautiful white sand beaches, terraced hills, breathtaking volcanic islands, and heavily populated fishing villages, you name it; all giving travelers on Rwanda safaris, the perfect feel of an African beach safari holiday.
Furthermore, its town is well-established with numerous hotels such as Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kivu Paradise Resort, etc. Its proximity to the Volcanoes National Park makes the lake an ideal spot for most tourists on Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris. Here are some of the top adventurous things to do in Lake Kivu;
Things to do on Lake Kivu
Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on Lake Kivu is one of the most gratifying things to do while on a Rwanda safari on Lake Kivu. Enjoy a delightful trip on the lake’s waters, and explore several of the lake’s islands including the Amahoro – also known as the bar island, the Napoleon Island, and its big colony of fruit bats, which you may meet after a short and reasonably easy trek. You will also enjoy spotting a variety of aquatic birds including fish eagles, etc. And should you opt for an evening boat cruise, envision yourself sipping on a glass of wine while watching the gorgeous African sunset.
Swimming
Swimming in Lake Kivu is the perfect way to unwind especially after a long day of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, hiking, or game viewing safari. Lake Kivu is free of crocodiles and other harmful creatures making it safe for swimming. Moreover, the lake features a stunning landscape and adequate broad beaches that are suitable for swimming. While swimming on Lake Kivu, you may sunbathe while admiring the clear views of the lake, a variety of birds soaring the skies, and fishermen’s boats cruising on the water as they sing encouraging songs. Meanwhile, there are bars on the lake where you may have a drink and simply enjoy the lake.
Birding
For the birders, Lake Kivu has also got you covered: while at the shores of the Lake, expect to see several bird species such as the African kingfisher, African woodpecker, and Yellow-billed stork, among others. Guided birding tours in Lake Kivu are also done on nature walks through the forests surrounding forests and boat cruises and they will further treat you to views of pelicans, crowned crested cranes, malachite kingfishers, African fish eagles, cormorants, hornbills, herons, other aquatic birds.
Hiking and Cycling
Lake Kivu is bordered by lush greenery and, in the distance, mountains that offer the ideal scenery for Rwanda hiking and cycling safaris. The hiking and cycling paths surrounding Lake Kivu are not as long, but they take you through thriving settlements and along the lake’s lovely shoreline, making them excellent alternate ways to explore the area. A hike in Lake Kivu is the ideal morning activity on a bright day for a satisfying guided walk and a glimpse of the lake and its surroundings. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the history and lifestyle of the inhabitants. Furthermore, the hills are ideal for cycling and exploring new paths, connecting with the locals, and, of course, photographing the lake from every level which provides a more aerial perspective.
Cultural Tours
When on a Rwanda safari in Lake Kivu, you may also get about the villages and interact with the local people as they showcase their boats, fly-fishing, and other traditional activities. Also, visit orphanages, such as the Imbabazi orphanage, which was built to provide a home for children whose parents were slaughtered in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Imbabazi is very important to the people in this area and has had a lot of success in supporting children and contributing to their growth. You can also help by checking it out and potentially making a little donation.
Coffee Tour
Coffee tours in Lake Kivu are fun and educational, and one of the adventures you shouldn’t miss while visiting the lake. Rwanda is a significant coffee grower and exporter, hence coffee farms may be found across the nation, including the districts surrounding Lake Kivu. While on guided coffee tours, you will learn how to pick the coffee from the plantation, wash, dry, roast, and grind it, as well as enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Rwanda coffee beans are considered the second best in the world. After the tour, you may also purchase a bag or two to take home with you, and support Rwanda’s economic growth.
Relax by the beach
Lake Kivu boasts several well-established beaches where can relax and enjoy the sunset or read a book. The beaches have several hotels and hangout locations that provide excellent views of the lake and its surroundings.
Best Time to go to Lake Kivu
Whereas Lake Kivu can be visited at any time of the year, the dry season is the best time to go for a safari holiday in Lake. The dry season in Rwanda occurs from June through September and December through February; as a result, they are the finest months to visit Lake Kivu for resting and enjoying the tranquility of the area at lower and warm temperatures. Visiting during the dry season will allow you to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the lake. The dry season is also the greatest time to visit Lake Kivu because there are fewer insects at this time of year.
