Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is an Albertian rift valley lake in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with an elevation of 1463 meters above sea level. It is one of the great lakes, with fresh water covering 2730 square kilometers. The lake contains geological gases, methane, and carbon dioxide, which in the past affected the lives of the community near the shores. Lake Kivu stretches from the north of the Virunga mountains to the Nyungwe forest, making it the largest lake in Rwanda.
Tectonic forces formed Lake Kivu within the rift valley and the depression within the valley. This depression was later filled with water, leading to the lake’s formation. Beautiful hills and many green, lush islands surround Lake Kivu, creating a serene and tranquil environment. The lake, with its calm waters, is the main fishing point in Rwanda since it hosts multiple aquatic life, such as tilapia fish, catfish, and many others. This lake has the major beaches and resorts of Rwanda, with one of the top facilities in Cyangugu, Kibuye, and Gisenyi. Travelers on their Rwanda safari usually visit the lake for relaxation activities after gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and many others.
What to do in Lake Kivu?
In Lake Kivu, there are a variety of activities that one can do during one’s Rwanda safari.
Bird watching
Lake Kivu is a destination that travelers who love birds would love to visit since it is home to over 400 bird species, offering a diverse and exciting birding experience. These species can be seen in the green islands of the lake and the surrounding hills. Some bird species that one can visit include the African fishing eagle, shoebill, pied kingfisher, and osprey. The area is home to 10 other endemic species, which makes it a birding paradise for travelers on their Rwanda safari.
Hot springs and Geothermal baths
Lake Kivu has many geothermal activities taking place around it. This geothermal energy leads to the formation of hot springs. Travelers to Rwanda will visit these hot springs to take a bath and have a local massage from natives of the area. These hot springs are also considered to be natural saunas in Rwanda. The natives consider these hot springs to cure many diseases since they contain some minerals in the hot water.
Hiking tours
The lake has many surrounding hills, and these features offer travelers on their Rwanda safari a unique opportunity to go hiking, adding an adventurous element to their trip. While hiking, you will have the chance to have aerial views of this fantastic lake. During the hike, travelers will be able to see some small primates in the forests on the hill, like vervet monkeys, white colobus monkeys, and many others. The other view during the hike is the community on the other side of the lake.
Aquatic adventures
While on the Rwanda safari, this lake offers several aquatic adventures since the water in the lake is so calm for these activities. The primary activities on this lake include jet skiing, kayaking, speed boat rides, boat cruises, and many others. While enjoying the aquatic adventures on Lake Kivu, you can see some bird species around the green islands. It’s important to note that safety precautions should be observed, such as wearing life jackets and following the instructions of the guides. This activity offers an adrenaline rush and a memorable experience on their Rwanda safari.
Where to Stay on a Safari to Lake Kivu?
The accommodation facilities in Lake Kivu are positioned to offer incredible scenic views of the lake. The facilities on the lake offer one of the best comforts for travelers in Rwanda. These facilities range from luxury to midrange, standard, and budget accommodations. Most of the lodges overlook the lake.
Luxury accommodation facilities offer desirable high-end services for travelers on their Rwanda safari. These facilities include: the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel, and many more.
Midrange accommodation facilities offer budget and not-too-expensive services to travelers on their safaris. Usually, these facilities create value for money for the services offered. They include Paradise Malahide, Palm Beach Resort, and many others.
Budget accommodation facilities are sometimes considered low-end facilities that offer services to travelers on a tight budget during their Rwanda safari. These facilities include Planet Hotel, Beach Gardens, Macheco Resort, and many others.
What is the best time to visit Lake Kivu?
The lake is open for travelers on their Rwanda safari throughout the year. The best time to visit Lake Kivu is in the dry months of the year. That is to say, June to September and December to February. During this period, the area has the best scenic views, with dry vegetation and clear skies. Additionally, in the wet season, there are usually high water levels and thick vegetation, which affect the exploration. On the other hand, the wet season is also available for a visit to Lake Kivu. During this period, there is less traffic; travelers get a more personalized experience since it is usually a low season. Accommodation facilities offer lower prices in low seasons, making it the best time for budget travelers to visit Lake Kivu.
How to get there?
Lake Kivu can be accessed by either air or road transport in Rwanda from Kigali city. Using the road, you drive through the tarmacked roads of Rwanda, where you will spend 3 hours traveling to Lake Kivu. The lake can be accessed in Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu. On the other hand, the lake can be accessed by air transport, where travelers on their Rwanda safari must book a chartered domestic flight from Kigali airport to the Gisenyi airstrip. On arrival at the Gisenyi airstrip, you will be transferred to Lake Kivu for exploration by road.
