Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Why Visit Lake Kivu?

Given it is a landlocked country one can be forgiven for being surprised that Rwanda offers its own brand of tropical island bliss. But at Lake Kivu ( one of Africa‘s great lakes), you can sip sunset cocktails amid white sands and palm trees in Rubavu (aka Gisenyi), which has long been the place for locals and travelers to head for some beachside R&R. Covering a massive 2700 square kilometers (1042 square miles) in western Rwanda, Lake Kivu offers beach resorts, hot springs and island-hopping to go with its 227km (141-mile) Congo-Nile Trail, which you can traverse on foot or by bicycle, an epic overland adventure following the Congo-Nile divide.

Top Things To Do At Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Relaxing at the lake

Lake Kivu is the perfect place to relax. After meeting the friendly local people or gorilla trekking in the nearby Volcanoes National Park, you can enjoy some peaceful time by the water. Many hotels and guesthouses along the lake have their own small beaches or green gardens where you can sit back and take it easy. There are no crocodiles, no hippos, and no strong currents. Just calm, warm water that stays around 24°C (75°F) all year. It feels like the lake is giving you a gentle hug. The quiet towns of Gisenyi (Rubavu), Karongi (Kibuye), and Rusizi (Cyangugu) are great for slowing down. There’s no rush, no noise, and no big crowds — just blue skies, lazy afternoons, and maybe the smell of fresh fish cooking nearby.

Kayaking

Lake Kivu is a wonderful place for people who love the outdoors. If relaxing on the beach in Gisenyi (Rubavu) isn’t enough, try a fun kayaking trip on the calm, blue waters of the lake. You can paddle along the beautiful shoreline, stopping at quiet sandy spots to rest and watch colorful birds flying through the trees. Don’t worry — there are no crocodiles or hippos here, so it’s very safe. The lake is peaceful, the breeze is gentle, and the view of the volcanoes in the distance is simply amazing. As you kayak, you might come across local fishermen in their beautiful wooden boats. Sometimes they sing as they paddle, and hearing their voices across the water is something you’ll never forget. On a day trip, you can explore small islands and enjoy a picnic. Or, for something really special, spend the night camping on a wild island with no people — just you and nature. No experience is needed, and guides will help you all the way.

The "Singing Fishermen" of Lake Kivu

Just before sunset, hop on a small boat and head out onto Lake Kivu to hear something truly magical — the famous “Singing Fishermen.” As they paddle out for their night on the water, they sing in deep and high voices, creating a beautiful rhythm that helps them row together. These fishermen travel in groups of three wooden boats tied together, and the songs guide their movement across the calm lake. Once they find the right spot, the singing stops. Then, nine men work as a team to drop their nets using long wooden poles. They light small kerosene lamps to attract fish in the dark, and then they wait quietly through the night. In the early morning, as the sun rises, their voices return. You’ll hear their songs floating across the water, reaching the lakeside hotels — a peaceful and unforgettable sound that makes Lake Kivu feel like a dream.

Hike or Cycle along the Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail is an exciting route for both biking and hiking along the shores of Lake Kivu. It was started in 2009 and follows a mix of small village paths, dirt roads, and driveable tracks through the beautiful Kivu region. The trail runs about 227 km (140 miles) from Gisenyi to Kamembe, close to the lake’s eastern edge. Most people complete the journey in about five days. Along the way, you’ll pass rolling green hills, coffee farms, tropical forests, and enjoy amazing views of the lake. But it’s not just about cycling or walking — the trail is also a great way to meet local people and take part in traditional Rwandan life. You can try craft-making, harvest honey, visit tea or coffee farms, or even spend a night with fishermen catching tiny sambaza fish. And after a long day of biking or hiking? There are secret little beaches where you can swim and cool off! You can do the trail alone, but having a guide makes things much easier and more fun. There are different places to stay along the way, from camping and homestays to guesthouses and small lodges. You’ll also enjoy tasty meals cooked by local families. And don’t worry about snacks — many villages along the trail have small shops where you can buy fruits, water, and other treats.

Best time to visit Lake Kivu

Rwanda is just below the equator, so the weather stays mild all year with no big extremes. But if you want the best time for outdoor fun like hiking, kayaking, and enjoying Lake Kivu’s views, try to visit during the dry seasons — from mid-December to February and from June to mid-September. These months have lots of sunshine and clear skies, perfect for exploring. Even when it rains a little, the Lake Kivu area stays warmer and sunnier than the mountains, so you can still enjoy great weather — and with fewer tourists around, it feels even more special.

Where to Stay Near Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu has three main towns where you can stay, each with its own charm. Gisenyi (Rubavu) is the most active, with big beaches, many hotels, and easy access to Volcanoes National Park — perfect for first-time visitors and those who enjoy meeting other travelers. Karongi (Kibuye) is quieter and greener, great for peaceful days of kayaking, reading, or sipping tea while looking out over the water. Rusizi (Cyangugu), down in the south, is close to Nyungwe Forest and is ideal for bird lovers or anyone who enjoys nature and silence over crowds.

There are also some amazing places to stay, each special in its own way. In Gisenyi, the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is polished yet laid-back, with a private beach and perfect lake views — ideal for relaxing after a trek. Inzu Lodge, also in Gisenyi, offers eco-friendly stays with yoga, workshops, and great food. In Karongi, Cormoran Lodge is a cozy wooden lodge built into the hillside, while Moriah Hill Resort is modern and perfect for enjoying morning coffee on your balcony. Down in Rusizi, Kivu Peace View Hotel is a simple and peaceful spot with stunning sunrise views, especially for travelers heading to Nyungwe Forest.

How To Combine Lake Kivu With Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combining Lake Kivu with gorilla trekking in Rwanda is both convenient and rewarding, thanks to the short travel distances and beautiful scenery along the way. Volcanoes National Park, where the gorilla trekking takes place, is located in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri), and it’s just about 1 to 1.5 hours (55 km) by road to Gisenyi (Rubavu), the most popular lakeside town on Lake Kivu. This makes Gisenyi the perfect post-trekking stop to relax and refresh after hiking through the dense mountain forest. Alternatively, you can travel to Kibuye (Karongi), which is roughly 3 to 4 hours (110 km) south of Musanze via a winding but stunning lakeside route. The proximity makes it easy to include Lake Kivu in your itinerary without long, exhausting transfers. After the physical challenge of tracking gorillas, the calm waters, boat rides, local fish dishes, and golden sunsets of Lake Kivu offer a well-deserved escape, making your Rwandan journey both adventurous and rejuvenating.