Lake Kivu, Boat Rides, Islands in Lake Kivu, Birding and Swimming

Lake Kivu lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and is in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. It is the largest of numerous freshwater lakes that shimmer in the valleys of Rwanda. Three small towns come as welcome retreats in between the sometimes strenuous hikes to find gorillas and chimpanzees in the surrounding Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Take a boat ride along Lake Kivu to visit nearby islands such as Napoleon island, Mbabara island where coffee and macadamia nuts grows, and the majestic Peace Island where you can swim around and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of Lake Kivu.

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Lake Kivu Activities

Lake Kivu, Karongi Destination

Boat Ride in Lake Kivu

Take a boat ride along Lake Kivu with East To West Safaris to visit nearby islands such as Napoleon island (named because it is the shape of Napoleon’s hat), Mbabara island where coffee and macadamia nuts grows, and the majestic Peace Island where you can swim around and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of Lake Kivu and The Nyakarwa peninsula, The Amahoro Island and Mpembe Peninsular Footpath. Life jackets provided during trip. Please make sure you carry your medical/travel insurance during your trip. Thank you!.

Lake Kivu, Rubavu Destination

Discovering the three colourful lakeside resort towns, pursuing the various water sports they have to offer, and boating to the numerous islands on the lake are just some of the activities available in the area. Away from the main resorts, Rwanda’s lakes offer visitors rewarding glimpses into ancient African lifestyles, as men go about their fishing and women fill the air with the strummed sound of a traditional guitar.

Birding around the lakes is fantastic and includes large numbers of pelicans, crowned cranes, malachite kingfishers and much more. For sun-bathing, swimming and water sport acitivities, the Rwanda Riveira town of Gisenyi offers speedboats, canoes, and casual mountain walks and picnics.

Lake Kivu, Rusizi Destination

Worthy of further note are Gisyeni and Cyangugu. The first of these, Gisenyi, lies to the north. Rusizi, Cyangugu; which lies at the other end of the lake, is more of a border town. There are swaying palm trees, fire pits, a swimming area complete with diving board and a floating island. Functional, but welcoming, it is a stepping stone for any travelers on their way to Nyungwe National Park. home to a quarter of Africa’s species of primate, and to nearly 300 species of bird, constitute one of the oldest and rarest high altitude habitats in central and eastern Africa. Situated in the south west, in the Albertine Rift, Nyungwe has been a forest reserve since 1933, but was only awarded national park status in 2005.