Lake Kivu is a 2,700 km² (1,040 sq mi) lake on the Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo border. With a length of 42Km (26 mi) and a width of 50Km (31 mi), Lake Kivu is the eighth largest lake in Africa. Lake Kivu is part of the African Great Lakes saddled in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift.
It is one of the world’s deepest lakes, known for its high methane and carbon dioxide concentrations, which pose a unique geological explosion risk.
Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.
Lake Kivu also hosts the world’s tenth largest island in a lake known as Idjwi. Other Islands in Lake Kivu include Nyamunini (also known as Napoleon Island), Amahoro and Iwawa.
In Rwanda, Lake Kivu stretches from Kamembe city, Cyagugu, Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Kibuye while in the Democratic republic of Congo the lake stretches along Bukavu, Kabare, Kalehe, Sake and Goma with DRC forming the largest part of the human settlement on Lake Kivu to at least 58 percent in DRC.
Activities To Do Around Lake Kivu
Canoeing
Visitors on a safari to Rwanda or Congo can enjoy a canoe ride to explore different islands on Lake Kivu from the Idjwi island, Bat Island, Monkey Island, etc
Congo Nile trail hiking
Enjoy a hike through the Congo Nile trail while enjoying views of Lake Kivu across. The Congo-Nile trail is a popular hiking and cycling trail in Rwanda.
Cycling
Rwanda is a popular cycling destination in Africa which makes cycling by the shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda a must do activity during your stay around Lake Kivu on your Rwanda safari.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk is a best adventure activity in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. It is the only canopy walk in East Africa and features a 160-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor.
Chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo forest and Nyungwe national park in Rwanda
Chimpanzee tracking can be done in the Cyamudongo forest afew kilometers from Lake Kivu. Cyamudongo forest in the south western province of Rwanda offers a spectacular chimpanzee tracking experience in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is also in close proximity of Nyungwe forest where you can also enjoy a chimpanzee tracking safari during your stay around Lake Kivu.
Lowland gorilla tracking in Kahuzi biega national park from Lake Kivu
Track the lowland gorillas during your stay at Lake Kivu from Kahuzi-biega national park in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bukavu town can be accessed by boat on lake Kivu or through the land border between Rwanda and DRC at Cyangugu.
Bukavu city tour from Lake Kivu
Bukavu city is an old Congo town with a rich history which offers you a chance to experience it’s rich cultural and precolonial history during your stay near Lake Kivu.
Rubavu city tour from Lake Kivu
Rubavu city is the gateway from Rwanda to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With bustling trade and tourism activities, the town is a major stopover for travelers between Rwanda and Congo or visitors from southern Rwanda transiting to Musanze. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kivu from Rubavu town also known as Gisenyi.
Fishing on Lake Kivu
Despite having few fish species and the risk of Methane gas in Lake Kivu, fishing is a popular activity and source of livelihood for many people around Lake Kivu.
Enjoy a fishing adventure from the comfort of your accommodation on Lake Kivu.
Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a good destination for Kayaking enjoying the calm waters of Lake Kivu. Most accommodation around Lake Kivu can support with activities on Lake Kivu such as Kayaking.
Where to stay on Lake Kivu
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga
Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga is a one-of-a-kind luxury expedition vessel that allows you to explore the stunning African Great Lake, Lake Kivu renowned for its fishing industry, preserving the traditional methods of the Rwandan people. As you sail on the 2-night/3-day itinerary, you’ll be immersed in the splendour of the Kivu belt, filled with lush flora, diverse fauna, and enchanting nature trails.
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
Nestled on a hill, Cleo Hotel offers a breathtaking and panoramic view overlooking the Lake Kivu. With its luxury suites, farm-to-table restaurant, numerous activities including relaxing spa treatments, and its short driving distance to many tourist attractions, this five-star resort is a new haven for those who wish to relax and explore Karongi.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay is a deluxe hotel comprising 79 rooms with views overlooking Lake Kivu, offering a resort lifestyle, cultural experiences, and tea and coffee tastings at some of the best plantations in Africa. The hotel is located just 1 km from Kamembe Airport in Rusizi, Rwanda, in close proximity to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park in the western region of Rwanda.
Cormoran Lodge
If you are looking for the best views of Lake Kivu this is the hotel for you. With just nine large bedrooms, built on unique stilts, Cormoran Lodge enables guests to watch passing fishing boats in style.
Cormoran Lodge is set in a quiet part of Kibuye. From the hilltop you see wide views of Lake Kivu and the green hills around it. The main building at Cormoran Lodge stands on strong wooden stilts with big decks stretching out from the hillside.
On a stay at Cormoran Lodge, you can enjoy canoeing and boat rides to the nearby islands of Bat Island and Monkey Island. The lodge also futures a communal games room where you find a billiards table, packs of cards and board games.
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
The Serena sits right on Lake Kivu, with its own beach enabling the more adventurous to kayak, surf or even jetski. Relax poolside or enjoy a massage in the welcoming spa.
Moriah Hill Resort
Moriah Hill Resort is a beautiful lakeside resort that was opened in 2003 on the shores of Lake Kivu. Moriah Hill resort is located on its own peninsula on the shores of Lake Kivu in the Karongi district. It’s a family run luxury hotel with an aim to create an unforgettable experience for guests.
Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel
Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel is located within 2.5 km of Lake Kivu. Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel is an accommodation in Rubavu/Gisenyi near Lake Kivu.
The hotel offers a range of amenities and services with a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The hotel can also arrange car hire and there is free parking available on site.
The Petite Barrière (border) crossing to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is 1 km from Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel and Gisenyi Airport is within 2.5 km.
The Palm Beach Resort
The Palm Beach Resort is an accommodation nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu-Gisenyi with Palm gardens overlooking Lake Kivu giving you exclusive views of the shimmering Lake Kivu.
Goma Serena Hotel
Goma Serena Hotel is a serene accommodation located on the northern shores of Lake Kivu in the Democratic republic of Congo.
With over 100 rooms, Goma Serena Hotel offers several accommodation options for your stay in Goma on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Home Saint Jean hotel
Home Saint Jean hotel, is a peaceful hotel nestled in Rwanda’s beautiful Kibuye District, right along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Home Saint Jean hotel offers both private rooms and shared hostel-style accommodations, all designed to be cozy and welcoming, with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Hôtel Cap Kivu
Cap Kivu Hôtel is a 3-star hotel in Goma, DR Congo, located about 1.8 km from the city center. The hotel is located on 119, Av. la Frontière, “en diagonal du Campus du Lac”, Ville de Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hotel amenities include a water park, beachfront access, free Wifi, room service, and a free fitness center, air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk, private entrance, terrace, sun deck, garden, balcony, lake view and landmark view are all on hand, plus non-smoking rooms, free toiletries, and a bathtub.
Hotel Cap Kivu offers Shuttle services (extra charges) and airport shuttle (extra charges) for visitors coming for a Congo safari to Goma in the DR Congo.
Enjoy a stay at Hotel Cap Kivu with shimmering views of Lake Kivu, Lake front scenery and beach access as you relax on your safari to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Emeraude Kivu Resort
Emeraude Kivu Resort is a unique luxury accommodation located on the showers of Lake Kivu overlooking the Nkombo and Gihaya Islands – home to most fishers on Lake Kivu. The Emeraude Kivu Resort is located in Kamembe, Rwanda.
Emeraude Kivu Resort offers luxurious, comfortable and affordable accommodation. The resort is close to Nyungwe National Park, the Green Hills Tea Estate and its factory Shagasha, Cyamudongo forest for Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, Mashyuza Hotsprings, the Bugarama Valley amongst other attractions.
Eben Lake Kivu Cottages and Villas
Eben Lake Kivu is a beautiful accommodation nestled along the shores of Lake Kivu on the breathtaking Murwa Peninsula in Nyamasheke District, Western Rwanda. Surrounded by calm waters, green hills, and unspoiled landscapes, Eben Lake Kivu offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and authentic local experience.
Eben Lake Kivu enjoys a prime location on the shore of Lake Kivu, directly along the renowned Congo Nile Trail. This makes it a popular stop for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Eben Lake Kivu is located 30 minutes from Nyungwe Forest National Park, Just 50 minutes from Kamembe International Airport and just a 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Karongi (Kibuye)
Amara Hotel Kivu Beach
Amara Hotel Kivu Beach is a water front family run hotel on Lake Kivu in Buhoro,Rutsiro, Eastern Province of Rwanda.
Nediva BnB
Nediva BnB is a boutique bnb hotel in the city of Bukavu in the Democratic republic of Congo right on the shores of Lake Kivu. Nediva BnB is a popular accommodation among tourists on a safari to Bukavu in the Democratic republic of Congo for activities like Low land gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park.
Nediva BnB offers serene accommodation by Lake Kivu in Bukavu in Congo.
Budget accommodation on Lake Kivu
Macheo Eco lodge and camping
Macheo Eco lodge and camping is a budget to mid-range accommodation in Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu. Macheo Eco lodge and camping can be accessed from Kamembe, Kigali and Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Macheo Eco lodge and camping offers magnificent views of Lake Kivu and eco-friendly accommodation with camping space for campers or backpackers on a Rwanda safari.
Inzu Eco Lodge
The INZU Lodge is an ecological accommodation located in Gisenyi (Rubavu) Rwanda, in front of Kivu lac, close to Bralirwa.
Inzu Lodge is accessed from Gisenyi taking the road going to Bralirwa (5km) before turning on your right. Proceed for 2 Kilometres before driving on a dirt road for 100 meters to the Inzu Lodge.
Inzu Lodge provides a unique tourism experience while respecting Rwanda’s traditions which benefit the local community.
Musanto Hotel
Musanto Hotel is a budget accommodation located in Gisenyi Rwanda overlooking the shores of Lake Kivu.
How to get to Lake Kivu from Rwanda
Getting to Lake Kivu by air in Rwanda
Lake Kivu can be accessed in Rwanda by air through Kamembe international airport from Kigali or Gisenyi airport.
Getting to Lake Kivu by land in Rwanda
Lake Kivu can be accessed by land through the main towns around the Lake on the Rwandan shores from Rubavu, Karongi, Kamembe and Rusizi.
Rubavu (Gisenyi): A popular resort town at the northern tip with beaches and hotels.
Karongi (Kibuye): A scenic, quiet town known for boat trips to islands like Napoleon Island.
Rusizi (Cyangugu): Located in the south, often used as a stopover near Nyungwe National Park and for crossing between Rwanda and DR Congo.
How to get to Lake Kivu from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To get to Lake Kivu from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), travelers usually use road or boat transport from major gateway cities like Goma or Bukavu. Goma is located on the northern shore and offers direct access to the lake, while Bukavu sits on the southern end. Local boats and ferries are available for transportation to islands like Idjwi.