Lake Kivu is one of Africa's natural wonders and one of the Great Lakes of Africa with sandy tropical beaches set amidst spectacular mountainous landscapes. And on its shores you will find the charming and picturesque towns of Gisenyi to the north, Cyangugu in the south and Kibuye in the middle.

Lake Kivu Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth largest lake in Africa, lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows south into Lake Tanganyika, another Great Lake.

The real joy of this area is driving between the towns, and it’s a lovely option for a slower route between Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills and mountains beside the lake from Gisenyi all the way to Cyangugu, with Kibuye almost at its centre point. Every corner produces another gorgeous view. Eucalyptus trees line the road, while every inch of the hills seems to be terraced with bananas. Villagers smile and wave and children constantly call out “Abuzungu!" as you drive past (the Kinyarwanda term for white people, like “Muzungu" in Swahili). You'll end up with hands tired from waving, and feel like royalty at the end of the trip!

As the lake attracts a number of tourists and Rwandan holidaymakers, the level of accommodation here generally consists of many hotels and guesthouses across the palm-fringed lake that are lovely, with little sandy beaches and grassy banks leading down to the shore.

An important note is that Lake Kivu’s three main towns are roughly 3-4 hours apart from each other.

Why Visit Lake Kivu, Western Rwanda.

• Relax and enjoy the sandy beaches found along the lakes shores.
• To explore the idyllic Islands found on the lake by boat.
• Visit Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth largest lake in Africa.
• Discover the happy villagers and the smiling waving children found on the lake shores who will make you feel like royalty.
• Experience the beauty of the lake by taking a slow road safari from Nyungwe National Park to the south to Volcanoes National Park to the north.
• Visit local artisans and local women weaving associations, and experience home basketry weaving and how your visit makes a difference in their lives.
• Opportunity to visit to the water springs to learn the geographic make up of volcanic chain.

 Featured Lake Kivu, Safari Holiday Vacation Trips

Rwanda Highlights Adventure Safari Holiday – 8 Days

Rwanda Highlights Adventure Safari Holiday – 8 Days the ultimate Rwandan safari experience, this adventure will take you through some of Rwanda’s most important towns, sites and National Parks.