Lake Kivu: Rwanda's Shore Towns, Beaches and Boat Trips

Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes and forms part of the border between Rwanda and the DR Congo. On the Rwandan side, towns such as Rubavu (Gisenyi), Karongi (Kibuye) and Rusizi offer beaches, boat trips and lakeside hotels.

It is a restful add-on to a Volcanoes National Park trek. See Rwanda travel guide and Nyungwe.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Visiting

Choose a lakeshore hotel in Rubavu or Karongi. Boat trips visit small islands.

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Shore Towns and Beaches

Lake Kivu is one of Africa's Great Lakes and forms part of the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the Rwandan side the main towns are Gisenyi (Rubavu), Kibuye (Karongi) and Cyangugu (Rusizi), each with lakeside hotels, beaches and restaurants. Kivu is unusual because the lake is free of hippos and crocodiles, which makes swimming safe.

Boat Trips and the Congo Nile Trail

Boats take visitors to islands such as Napoleon Island, home to fruit bats, and Amahoro Island. The Congo Nile Trail is a long route that follows the lake shore through villages and hills, and can be cycled or walked in sections. Fishing villages, coffee washing stations and hot springs provide cultural stops.

Lake Kivu is a relaxing end to a gorilla or chimp trip. Read about Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe, and see the Rwanda travel guide.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team