Beaches, Islands and Coffee Hills on One of Africa's Great Lakes
Lake Kivu fills a deep trough of the Albertine Rift along Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its Rwandan shore is lined with steep green hills, fishing villages, coffee farms and three lake towns: Rubavu (Gisenyi) in the north, Karongi (Kibuye) in the middle and Rusizi (Cyangugu) in the south.
After the early starts of gorilla trekking, a night or two on the lake is a welcome change of pace. Spend the days on boat trips to the islands, cycling part of the Congo Nile Trail, visiting a coffee-washing station or simply watching the fishermen set out at dusk, singing as they paddle.
Photo: UWIMPUHWE Va, CC BY 4.0
Things to Do
Boat Trips
Visit islands such as Napoleon's Island and its fruit-bat colony from Karongi, or the hot springs near Rubavu.
Congo Nile Trail
A long-distance route of about 227 km along the lake, popular with cyclists and hikers who tackle a section or two.
Coffee Experiences
Watch the harvest and washing process at a cooperative between March and June, or taste the finished coffee any time of year.
Evening Fishermen
The fishing boats that head out at dusk, lanterns on long poles, are one of the lake's classic sights.
When to Go
The lake is pleasant all year, with warm days and cooler evenings. The dry seasons bring clearer views; the coffee harvest runs roughly from March to June.
Getting There
Rubavu is about an hour and a half from Volcanoes National Park and three and a half hours from Kigali. The Kivu Belt road links Rubavu, Karongi and Nyungwe, making the lake a natural stop between the gorillas and the chimpanzees.
Where to Stay
Tours Including Lake Kivu
6-Day Gorillas, Lake Kivu & Nyungwe Chimpanzees
A west-of-Rwanda loop: gorillas in the Virungas, the beaches and fishing villages of Lake Kivu, then chimpanzees and the canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest.
View Tour
8-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Big Five & Lake Kivu
Savannah, volcanoes and lake in one trip: game drives and a boat safari in Akagera, gorillas and golden monkeys in the Virungas, then time to unwind on Lake Kivu.
View Tour
10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari
Everything Rwanda does best in ten unhurried days: Kigali, Akagera's Big Five, gorillas, golden monkeys and Dian Fossey's grave, Lake Kivu at Karongi, and Nyungwe's chimpanzees.
View TourFrequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Lake Kivu?
Yes. Lake Kivu is generally considered free of bilharzia, and swimming from hotel beaches at Rubavu and Karongi is common. Ask locally about conditions.
Which lake town should I choose?
Rubavu is easiest after gorillas and has the most beaches. Karongi is quieter and more scenic. Rusizi suits trips continuing to Nyungwe's western side.
