Lake Kivu is located on the western side of Rwanda along the boarder between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The Lake is regarded the biggest water body in Rwanda and the sixth largest lake in Africa. The lake covers a total surface area of about 2,700 km2 (1,040 sq mi) and stands at a height of 1,460 meters (4,790 ft) above sea level. Many tourists who make it to Rwanda find it very difficult to leave Rwanda without a visit to this wonderful Lake. Lake Kivu is just a lovely option for a slower route either from volcanoes national park a known park for gorilla tracking and Nyungwe forest national park a known Rwanda park for chimpanzee tracking enjoy also the three nearby towns known as Cyangugu, Kibuye as well as Gisenyi. Its one perfect place to visit as you will be in position to enjoy a number of beach activities like swimming, relaxing, perhaps take a boat ride to see the islands that surround the lake. Apart from the water activities, extra tourist activities to participant in around the lake include bird watching as the lake is gifted with various species of birds so bird lovers are rewarded a lot, birds to see include malachite kingfishers, crowned cranes, pelicans and many more.
You will get a chance to see the village setting that will be rewarding for your tour in Rwanda. You will catch a glance at the Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo, it’s said that it’s the only active Volcano in Africa;
Relaxation along the shores of Lake Kivu: With a surface area of over 2,700 square kilometers, Lake Kivu is the largest water body in Rwanda. It is the 6th largest lake in Africa and spreads all the way to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tourists enjoy exploring the lake because of the beautiful shorelines, resorts and islands. Lake Kivu is excellent for swimming, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding other water sports. The Congo Nile trail was built along the shores of the lake hence offering bikers a chance to explore the Rwanda countryside on a mountain bike or on foot. There are no hippos or crocodiles in lake Kivu.
Mountain Biking and Hiking: Rwanda, as a whole, has some superb mountain biking and hiking routes, with one of the more famous being the ‘bike packer’ Congo Nile Trail which is around 160 miles long and over five days takes you through some of the most stunning scenery and trails you’ll come cross in Africa. The mountain biking and hiking trails around Lake Kivu are not as long in distance or duration but take you through vibrant local communities and along the beautiful shores of the lake making for great alternative ways to explore the area.
Sport Fishing: For keen anglers out there, Lake Kivu has some superb fishing – there are nearly 30 different recorded species of fish in the lake and as a reward for your exertions trying to catch them, you’re allowed to keep one fish for yourself, perhaps taking it back to your accommodation where the chef will prepare and cook it to perfection for you to so you can enjoy your spoils over an evening meal and a glass of wine.