Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, among Africa’s great lakes, spans Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, serving as a border feature. Situated in the Albertine Rift Valley, it’s the largest lake in Rwanda. Lake Kivu, shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, covers 1370 square kilometers in the DRC and the remainder in Rwanda. It hosts the world’s tenth-largest island, Idjwi Island. Notable islands on the DRC side include Bukavu, Bubare, Kabehe, Sake, and Goma Islands, while Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu Islands lie on the Rwandan side. It’s Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Lake Kivu stretches over a distance of about 90km, with a width of 50km. The Lake’s form is very irregular, which makes calculating its surface area a challenge.
Lake Kivu spans approximately 2700 square kilometers at an altitude of 1460 meters above sea level. It ranks eighteenth in Africa for maximum depth and ninth for mean depth, with a maximum depth of around 475 meters and a mean depth of about 220 meters.
Towns near and around Lake Kivu
Rubavu is one of the developed towns on Lake Kivu in Rwanda; it is also known as Gisenyi. It’s one of the large towns along the shoreline of Lake Kivu.
Rubavu lies on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, just a one-hour drive from Volcanoes National Park. The town once served as a beach retreat for colonial administrators. This history remains visible in the rustic architecture along the Gisenyi and Rubavu waterfront. These buildings reflect Rwanda’s colonial past.
Rubavu offers an ideal place to relax after an intense mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Karongi is another well-known town along Lake Kivu’s shoreline. It features some of Rwanda’s most popular beaches and dramatic hillside views. Forests of white eucalyptus and terraced banana plantations cover the slopes. The hills and the waterfront of Karongi Beach Resort frame the lake’s sparkling waters.
Mornings feel calm and refreshing. Evenings come alive with gentle waves and the rhythmic songs of fishermen paddling together across the lake.
Rusizi is another town found along the shores of Kivu in Rwanda. It is located south of the lake. The road from Kigali city to Rusizi is magnificent as it meanders around while dodging the hills. The terraced hills provide such a wonderful view of nature.
Lake Kivu – Rwanda
Activities are done along the Lake
Towns near Lake Kivu thrive on fishing, with over 28 fish species. The lake’s beaches are safe for swimming and free from crocodiles, hippos, and bilharzia, allowing you to enjoy an authentic African safari experience.
Lake Kivu, a major attraction in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers relaxation amidst various tour activities. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, and boat trips, where you can enjoy stunning views and spot water birds. Don’t miss the boat cruise to Nyamirundi Island to visit a coffee plantation and witness coffee processing. Gisenyi is home to the Imbabazi orphanage, established after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Visiting and donating to the orphanage adds meaning to your African trip.
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandan native; we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and are registered with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority, making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in TripAdvisor reviews.
