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Based on 100+ reviews

Kingse Safaris

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Lake Kivu

Sparkling Lake Kivu Among Rwanda’s Highlands and Verdant Slopes.

Lake Kivu, a dazzling jewel of Africa’s Great Lakes, rests between Rwanda’s highlands and the Virungas’ backdrop. Its crystal waters, terraced hills, and serene resort towns create a perfect setting for relaxation, exploration, and breathtaking lakeside beauty year-round.

Area

2,700 sq km

Established

Natural Lake

Climate

Mild Tropical

Location

Border of Rwanda

Altitude

1,460 m

Terrain

Rift Valley

Fauna

Freshwater Fish

Flora

Lakeside

Lake Kivu’s Waters Reflect Rwanda’s Endless Hills and Mountain Vistas.

Along the lake’s shores, more than two million people thrive in lively communities. Fishing provides daily sustenance, while coffee, tea, honey, and livestock support local trade. Visitors can tour coffee factories in Cyimbili or Kinunu to witness the bean-to-cup journey.

Tourism and energy projects also flourish here. Hotels, markets, and cultural experiences blend with methane extraction and hydropower development, shaping a unique balance between natural wonder, science, and human livelihood.

Resting 1,460 meters above sea level, this remarkable body of water is Africa’s sixth largest lake. It lies divided between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, surrounded by rolling hills and volcanic landscapes.

Beneath its tranquil surface, a hidden mystery stirs. Methane gas, created by natural bacteria and volcanic activity, lies trapped deep within the waters. While harmless to swimmers, scientists study it carefully as both a potential risk and resource.

Best Time to Visit Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu enjoys warm weather year-round, but June to early September and January bring the clearest skies. These months are perfect for boat trips, swimming, and soaking in the serene lakeside scenery.

Best Time

June to September

High Season

July to August

Low Season

March to May

Best Weather

January to February

Best Time

June to September

High Season

July to August

Low Season

March to May

Best Weather

January to February

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Why Visit Rwanda’s Serene Lake Kivu Highlands?

For active travellers, the Congo Nile Trail offers scenic biking and hiking paths along the lake’s edge. Kayaking and gentle boat rides are also popular, giving a closer look at the water’s beauty.

Lake Kivu also provides opportunities for swimming, birdwatching, and quiet time on its sandy shores, making it a rewarding destination for relaxation and discovery.

Lake Kivu offers a refreshing escape with its vast waters and peaceful shores. It stretches along Rwanda’s western border, surrounded by terraced hills that create a calming landscape. Many travellers choose it as a place to rest after safaris or mountain adventures.

The lake is dotted with small islands, each offering unique experiences. Nyamirundi Island is especially famous for its coffee farms, where visitors can learn the process from harvest to cup and taste local coffee. A boat trip makes exploring these islands enjoyable.

The nearby towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye bring a touch of charm to the journey. With lakeside lodges, local markets, and sunset viewpoints, they make perfect stops for rest and discovery.

Evenings at Lake Kivu are especially beautiful. As the sky turns golden and boats return home, the air fills with calm and the soft sounds of village life linger in the distance.

Lake Kivu’s beauty goes beyond its calm surface. The mornings are often covered in soft mist, and as the sun rises, the water glimmers gently against the green hills. It feels like a place made for quiet reflection and peace.

Local life around the lake moves at an easy pace. Fishermen head out in wooden boats at dawn, singing traditional songs that drift across the water. It is a simple yet deeply moving part of the Kivu experience.

Lake Kivu FAQs

Where is Lake Kivu located?

Lake Kivu is on the western border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It goes on for over 60 kilometres and is flanked by beautiful hills, fishing villages, and three large towns: Gisenyi, Karongi, and Rusizi.

There are no crocodiles or hippos in Lake Kivu, making it safe to swim. It also boasts beautiful scenery, diverse bird life, and rich cultural experiences. Its methane gas deposits even power homes in Rwanda.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, boat trips, fishing, and visiting villages are all popular activities you can do on a Rwanda Safari to Lake Kivu. People may also walk local trails, visit coffee farms, or rest by the coast and take in the beautiful vistas of the surrounding hills.

Kayaking, trekking, and exploring are best done during the dry seasons, which run from mid-December to February and June to September. The area stays warm and fun even when it rains, and there are fewer people around.

Yes, it’s one of the safest lakes in Africa to swim in, as it’s free from crocodiles, hippos, and strong currents. The water stays at a pleasant temperature all year, and cities along the lake enjoy a low crime rate. Hence, it is one of the popular birding attractions you can go on in an East African Safari.

Lake Kivu isn’t an excellent place for safaris, but it’s great for birding. African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and sunbirds are familiar sights for visitors. Otters sometimes come close to the coast, especially where there are a lot of fish.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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