Birding on Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu offers relaxing birding tours because of its rich water environment for the bird’s life. These among others include, white – breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and Osprey and can seen fishing during its immigration.

The shores of lake Kivu are common with Terrestrial Species and hotel gardens in Karongi, Rusizi and Rubavu can offer interesting birding. Double-tooth Barbet is regularly seen in this region along with species such as Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye and Spot-flanked Barbet.

The area around Kinunu also offers good birdwatching for the more common species.

Things to do at Lake Kivu -Lake Kivu

With lake Kivu’s cooling breeze, this is a typical getaway from the rush of the city. Below are some of the things to do on the lake.

Take a Walk Along the Shore of the Lake

Being a beautiful place for shore walks to explore the hidden gems the coolest breeze. The whole area is picturesque, with the rolling hills, fresh water lake. Exploring the nearby trails and roads is a great way to spend an afternoon.

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Go for a Boat Ride

From Kibuye or Rubavu, you can arrange a relaxing motorboat tour of the lake. While walking around, tour guides will inevitably chat you up and try to sell you a tour. Negotiate hard as they will be trying to overcharge.

If you feel like some exercise, it is also possible to rent kayaks or canoes and go out and explore the lake under your own power. The same tour guides can point you in the right direction.

Relax on the Shore

The greatest part about going to the lake in Africa is just getting away from the stress of the city and relaxing. Sit out on the deck, enjoy the sun, and take in the view. Maybe enjoy a cold beer while you’re at it. Life on the lake is quiet and slow moving. Lake Kivu is a great place to go to get away from busy city life.

Go Birdwatching

Lake Kivu is home to more than 60 species of tropical birds. I don’t know anything about birdwatching but I do know that the lake is a top destination for birders.

Check Out the Congo Nile Trail

This newly developed 160-mile (257 km) trail runs near the shore of Lake Kivu from Rubavu to Kibuye and beyond. It is an excellent trail for hiking, bike packing, or mountain biking. Check out this awesome guide from Bikepacking.com for more info as well as some spectacular photos.

Visit the Hot Springs

From Gisenyi, you can easily access the hot springs where you can enjoy a relaxing mud massage. This isn’t a luxury experience but it is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Check out this great guide from Jasmine Ally for more info.

Visit the Islands

If you decide to venture out on the lake by boat, you might as well explore some of the nearby islands. For boat tour from Kibuye, you can visit Napoleon Island known for its fruit bats as well as nearby Amahoro island.

Another popular island for tourists to visit is called Nyamirundi Island. It is known for its coffee plantation. You can also take a tour of the island to learn about the coffee making process.

Go for a Swim

Lake Kivu is a great place to take a dip. The water is hippo and crocodile free. It is also free of the Bilharzia parasite which is commonly found in African lakes and rivers.

With that being said, before you jump in you should know that the water has been found to be contaminated with various parasites and bacteria in places. If you do decide to go for a swim, it is a good idea to ask around to make sure that the area is safe. Also, avoid swallowing any water and be sure to shower off under clean water right after you get out just to be safe.

Go to the Beach

Gisenyi is home to the best beach in the landlocked country of Rwanda. This would be a great place to go for a swim or just relax in the sand. I haven’t been but have been told that the public beach gets very busy. Several hotels have private beaches that guests can access.

Take a Coffee Tour

If you’re going on a boat tour, consider checking out Nyamirundi Island. Here they offer a coffee tour where you will learn, step-by-step, how coffee is made. After the tour, they offer a tasting of the finished product.