LakeKivu

Lake Kivu fills a long stretch of the western Rift Valley between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, its shoreline a patchwork of terraced hillside farms, fishing villages and a handful of resort towns. Unlike most African lakes, Kivu is free of bilharzia and the crocodiles and hippos found elsewhere, making it genuinely safe for open-water swimming — a welcome change of pace after the physical demands of gorilla trekking in the nearby Virungas or chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest. The lake is also a site of real engineering interest: vast quantities of dissolved methane gas trapped at depth are extracted and converted into electricity, a project unique in the world. Towns along the shore, particularly Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye), offer boat trips to small islands, lakeside coffee tours through Rwanda’s renowned coffee cooperatives, and a stretch of the long-distance Congo Nile Trail for cyclists and hikers.

Immerse yourself in a curated collection of experiences designed to connect you deeply with the spirit of the region. From adrenaline-fueled adventures to quiet moments of discovery, explore the diverse ways to tailor your journey.

Safari Packages in Lake Kivu