Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwanda with Beaches And Islands
After the early starts, muddy trails and unforgettable hours with mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, every safari needs a place to breathe. In Rwanda, that place is Lake Kivu. Here the pace slows to the rhythm of paddles in the water. Mornings begin with coffee on a terrace above the lake, afternoons drift by on a boat between quiet islands, and evenings end as the sun sinks behind the mountains of Congo and the lanterns of fishing boats appear on the water.
But Lake Kivu is not only a beach stop. It is a lake with a remarkable geological story, a coastline of hidden bays, terraced hills and coffee cooperatives, a long-distance trail that ranks among Africa’s best walking and cycling routes, and lakeshore communities whose fishing traditions are as old as the lake itself. Three very different towns, Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye) and Rusizi (Cyangugu), each offer their own character.
Background and History of Lake Kivu
A Lake Born of the Rift and Volcanoes
Lake Kivu lies in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the Great Rift Valley, where the earth’s crust has been pulling apart for millions of years. Volcanic activity to the north, including the Virunga volcanoes, played a major role in shaping the lake. Scientists believe lava flows once blocked the lake’s northern outlet, which had drained toward Lake Edward and the Nile. The water level then rose until the lake found a new outlet to the south through the Rusizi River into Lake Tanganyika. Today the lake belongs to the Congo River basin, flowing eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.This volcanic history also helps explain why Lake Kivu has fewer fish species than many African lakes and no hippos or crocodiles, making it a popular choice for swimming and watersports.
One of Africa’s Three “Exploding Lakes”
Lake Kivu is one of only three lakes in the world, alongside Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun in Cameroon, known to hold large amounts of dissolved gas in their deep waters. Its deep layers contain carbon dioxide and methane, much of it produced by volcanic and natural biological processes. In theory, a major disturbance could release gas suddenly, an event known as a limnic eruption. Lake Kivu is closely monitored by scientists, and the risk to visitors is considered very low.
Rwanda has turned this unusual feature into an opportunity. Since the 2010s, methane extraction projects near Karongi, including the KivuWatt power plant, have used gas from the lake to generate electricity, while also helping to reduce the long-term build-up of gas. It is one of the most interesting examples of energy innovation in Africa, and the platforms can be seen from the shore near Kibuye.
Lake Kivu’s Three Main Towns
Many of our itineraries visit two towns, for example spending a night in Rubavu after gorilla trekking, then travelling along the lakeshore to Karongi and onward to Nyungwe. Between the main towns lie smaller lakeside communities, such as those in Rutsiro District, where tourism is still low-key and wonderfully authentic.
Its Also a Lively resort town with sandy public beaches, palm-lined promenade, colonial villas, cafés and a hot spring peninsula.
Best for Travellers coming from Volcanoes National Park or Uganda; beach time, nightlife and easy access
Its Quiet, scenic town on a hilly peninsula with countless bays and islands.
Best for Boat trips, kayaking, island picnics, honeymooners and peaceful relaxation
Along Southern gateway on the Congo border, close to Kamembe Airport and Nyungwe.
Best for Combining Lake Kivu with Nyungwe’s chimpanzees and canopy walk
Top Things to Do at Lake Kivu
Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Kayaking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the lake. Short guided paddles from Rubavu or Karongi suit beginners, while specialist operators offer multi-day kayak journeys along the shoreline between the main towns, camping or staying in guesthouses along the way. Paddling past fishing villages, terraced hills and islands, you experience the lake at its most peaceful. No previous experience is needed for short trips, and guides provide safety equipment.
Swimming and Beach Time
Lake Kivu is widely regarded as one of the safer African lakes for swimming, with no hippos or crocodiles. Rubavu has the most popular sandy beaches, especially along the public lakeshore and at lakeside hotels. In Karongi, many lodges have private swimming platforms or small beaches. Always swim in designated areas, avoid swimming far from shore, and ask locally about current conditions. Some areas near river mouths or with visible gas bubbles should be avoided.
Rubona Hot Springs and Peninsula
Near Rubavu, the Rubona peninsula is home to natural hot springs where local people bathe for their believed healing properties. The area also offers lakeside walks, fishing villages and views across the water. A guided visit is recommended so you can learn about the springs and local customs.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu can be visited year-round. For outdoor adventure such as multi-day kayaking or cycling, the dry seasons are best. Afternoon,thunderstorms can make the lake choppy, so boat trips are usually scheduled for mornings or late afternoons.
June – September,Sunny days, calm water for kayaking and boat trips, ideal for the Congo Nile Trail; peak season.
December – February, Warm and pleasant, festive atmosphere at Rubavu’s beaches over the holidays.
March – May, Afternoon storms, green scenery, fewer visitors and good lodge rates; coffee harvest begins.
October – November, Brief showers, quiet lodges and lovely light for photography.
How to Get to there
From Kigali
Rubavu is about 3 hours’ drive from Kigali via Musanze, on road through Virunga foothills. Karongi is about 2.5–3 hours from Kigali via Muhanga, Rusizi is about 5–6 hours via Huye, Nyungwe. Alternatively, RwandAir flies from Kigali to Kamembe Airport
From Volcanoes National Park
Musanze to Rubavu takes only about an hour, which is why Lake Kivu is such a natural follow-on from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
From Uganda
This regularly runs cross-border safaris that include Lake Kivu. From Kisoro,Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Cyanika border leads to Musanze to Rubavu in around 2 hours.
Culture and Communities
Fishing Traditions
Fishing has shaped life on Lake Kivu for generations. The isambaza fishery supports thousands of families, and the work songs sung by fishermen while rowing keep time, lift spirits and pass knowledge from older to younger generations. Dried and fried isambaza are sold at local markets and eaten with ugali, rice or potatoes. Visitors who meet fishermen at the landing sites gain a real sense of how closely the lake and daily life are connected.
Farming the Steep Hills
The hills around the lake are among the most intensively farmed landscapes in Africa. Families grow bananas, cassava, beans, sweet potatoes, coffee and maize on terraces built to prevent erosion. Cattle remain culturally important, and you may see long-horned cows grazing on hillsides and even on some of the islands. Community walks introduce visitors to farm life, banana beer brewing and traditional cooking.
Local Food Around the Lake
Lake Kivu’s food reflects both lake and hillside. Try grilled tilapia, fried isambaza, brochettes with roasted plantain, beans with rice, isombe (cassava leaves with peanut), and fresh avocado, pineapple and passion fruit. Wash it down with Rwandan coffee, a local beer or freshly squeezed juice at a lakeside café.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Kivu
Its deep waters contain dissolved methane and carbon dioxide. A sudden gas release is theoretically possible, but the lake is closely monitored, methane is being extracted for power, and the risk to visitors is considered very low.
Lake Kivu is widely regarded as one of the safer African lakes for swimming because it has no hippos or crocodiles. Swim in designated areas near lodges or beaches and follow local advice about conditions.
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February are best for outdoor activities, but the lake is enjoyable year-round.
Yes. RwandAir flies from Kigali to Kamembe Airport near Rusizi on the southern shore, close to Nyungwe National Park.