Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, on the western boundary of Rwanda, is one of Africa's Great Lakes. This scenic lake is a stopping off point between a visit to the primate hotspot of Nyungwe Forest National Park and the gorilla trekking of Volcanoes National Park.

Though one of the smaller of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu is actually the sixth-largest lake in the world. It covers a whopping surface area of roughly 2,700 square kilometres. Plus, it’s also one of the deepest, reaching to almost 500 metres at its maximum, and the one at the highest altitude.

Steep forested hills plunge into this beautiful Rift Valley lake with its palm-fringed little sandy bays. A wild roller-coaster road connects the three resort towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu. It meanders through lush terraced fields and patches of misty rain forest. Occasionally it offers sweeping views over the blue waters. And behind the lake is the spectacular backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains.

You can either stay at the colonial old town of Gisenyi or the pretty beach town of Kibuye. Gisenyi is set on a sandy beach lined with swaying palms and colonial-era hotels. These exude an atmosphere of tropical languor.

You can also choose to stay at the southern most lake point. Here you can use Lake Kivu as a starting point for a day visit to Nyungwe Forest, only 30-40 mins drive away.