Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, one of the great lakes of Africa's Rift Valley, stretches along Rwanda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a vast and beautiful expanse of calm water ringed by steep, green terraced hills. Dotted with the lakeside resort towns of Rubavu (long known as Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye), it is a tranquil and scenic retreat, a place to relax, swim, take a boat trip among its islands, and unwind after the exertions of gorilla trekking in the nearby volcanoes. The lake once drained north towards the Nile; between about 13,000 and 9,000 years ago volcanic activity, which also raised the Virungas, blocked that outlet, and its water now leaves south down the Ruzizi to Lake Tanganyika. Its deep water holds dissolved carbon dioxide and methane.

Highlights

• The lake and hills - the vast calm lake ringed by terraced green hills.
• The lakeside towns - Rubavu, Karongi and their beaches.
• Boat trips - the trips among the islands and to hot springs.
• The Congo Nile Trail - the scenic hiking and biking route along the shore.

When to go

The drier seasons, June to September and December to February, are best for the clearest weather and lake activities; the temperate, mid-altitude climate is pleasant year-round. It is a relaxing place to unwind before or after gorilla trekking in the volcanoes nearby.

Before you go

It is a place to relax, swim and take in the scenery rather than a site of major attractions, best paired with the gorillas and volcanoes nearby as a restful contrast. It is a deep lake that holds dissolved gases at depth. The lake is often described as bilharzia-free, but that is a reputation rather than an official finding. Its calm, scenic beauty makes it a lovely, tranquil retreat.

Nearby

The Volcanoes National Park, the town of Musanze and Nyungwe forest are within reach.

Key facts