Lake Kivu is incredibly one of the beautiful places holidaymakers on Rwanda safari should consider a must to explore. This is one of the world’s largest fresh water lakes and features as the 3rd deepest lake in Africa. While in Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu, Lake Kivu is one magical tourist site that attracts Rwanda holidaymakers.
Located on the Western border area of Rwanda, Lake Kivu is among the 2 smallest Great Lakes found in the African continent. This rift valley lake is shared by the D.R. Congo and Rwanda and lies along the Albertine rift, the Western arm of East African Rift Valley. It straddles at the highest elevation range and occupies an area of 2700sq.kms, extending up-to 89kms and has a width of 48kms with maximum depth of 480m. The scenic Lake Kivu pours its water into Ruzizi River that also flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika in the Republic of Tanzania.
Lake Kivu shelters 28 species of fish and half of these include cichlids that exist only in this Great Lake. Other species of fish include Nile Tilapia, 4 species of fresh water crab, the East African red finned barb. It is also a home to the 10th largest island on the planet earth just lying along the Virunga National Park boundaries. There are some settlements along Lake Kivu’s shores including Sake, Kalehe, Bukavu, Goma and Kabare on the D.R. Congo side and in Rwanda, the main settlement areas of Lake Kivu shores include Kibuye, Cyangugu and Gisenyi.
Top activities to do while on Lake Kivu safari.
Boat rides.
Boat rides offer the best alternative to explore Lake Kivu. It is a memorable and refreshing water sport enjoyable on Lake Kivu and comes with clear views of the rolling hills. There is a chance for you to get to one of its beautiful islands-The Amahoro or Napoleon Islands.
Bird watching
Lake Kivu protects a total population of about 60 bird species making it excellent site to enjoy bird watching. The species of birds to look out for on Lake Kivu holiday include Ashy flycatchers, speckled pigeons, bronzed sunbirds, African pied wagtail, chin spot batis, spotted yellow throated greenbul and others.
Swimming
Swimming on Lake Kivu provides the best options to refresh yourself. This great African lake is free from hippos, crocodiles, bilharzia which makes swimming an incredible recreation area. Areas to embark on swimming recreation include Cyangugu, Gisenyi or Kibuye side.
Explore the Imbabazi orphanage
This is an orphanage centre where orphaned children of the victims of Rwanda 1994 genocide victims are supported from. Over 400 orphans are here and it was established by the Late Rosamond Carr who was a friend with Dian Fossey.
Tour Nyamirundi Island
The Nyamirundi Island offers the best if coffee experience, get to learn more about coffee growing till it is processed for consumption. You will be accompanied by an experienced local guide with in-depth knowledge about coffee cultivation and other farming practices in the area including banana growing.
Accommodation
The few lodging options around Lake Kivu range from budget to luxury. They include Cormoran Lodge-comprising of 7 chalets and it is situated on the Lake Kivu shores; Kivu Lodge, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or check into Moriah Hill Resort which is 38kms away from Mukura Forest.
Access to Lake Kivu Rwanda
Lake Kivu Rwanda is one of the Africa’s Great Rift Valley Lakes, lying at Rwanda border with D.R. Congo. It takes holidaymakers on Rwanda tour 3 hours’ drive from Kibuye or if you are traveling from Rubavu. The lake is accessible at anytime of the year by all holidaymakers on Rwanda safari.
