Lake Kivu is one of African great lakes with huge freshwater and it is believed to be the largest lake in Rwanda and is the sixth largest lake in Africa. The lake is located in Albertine rift valley the western side of great Africa rift valley. It dominates both boarders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The shores Lake Kivu forms a number of inlets, peninsulas and a number of waterfalls. The main outlet is river Ruzizi that flows south towards Lake Tanganyika which is second largest freshwater lake in the world. The shores of the lake is surrounded by a number of mountains in the north and western side of the lake.it is a well highly densely populated with a number of towns like Gisenyi, Cyangure, Kibuye in Rwanda and Kabare, Sake, Bukavu and Goma in DRC.
Lake Kivu covers a total surface area of 2700 km2 that is shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and stands at a height of 1460 metres above the see level there when you see it from a distance; one may think it’s also part of the sky.
More about Lake Kivu
Lake kivu is therefore an extra ordinary beautiful lake with vast inland sea that is enclosed by the steep green hills and along the shores are three town resorts of kibuye, Gisenyi and Cyangugu that are connected to different national parks like Gisenyi town which is so close Ruhengeri a gorilla tracking centre in volcano national park and Cyangugu that is very close to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Lake Kivu’s three main towns are roughly 3-4 hours apart from each other. However, on our last visit, extensive road construction works were making the journeys longer.
Gisenyi (Rubavu). Gisenyi (also referred to by its new name Rubavu) is a large town spread over several hills on the northern edge of Lake Kivu. Once a colonial beach resort of note, Gisenyi’s waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, some decent hotels including some of international standard, and trendy bars on the lakeshore, ideal for a sundowner cocktail. Nearby Rubona is also home to some pretty lakeside hotels.
Kibuye (Karongi). About 100km south of Gisenyi, Kibuye (also known by its new name Karongi) is probably the prettiest of Lake Kivu’s towns. It’s a verdant, tropical spot surrounded by hills covered in eucalyptus and pine. If you’re visiting in August, you may catch thousands of yellow-billed kites here flying over Lake Kivu on their annual migration. Most of Kibuye’s hotels are in beautiful locations overlooking the lake and facing the sunset.
Cyangugu (Rusizi). At the southern end of Lake Kivu, Cyangugu (pronounced ‘Shangugu’ its new name of Rusizi is easier to pronounce!) is an old border town whose fading façades tell of its past as a vital trading gateway. It makes for a convenient base if you want to combine a stay on Lake Kivu with Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is only 45 minutes away, although there are limited hotel options.
Gisenyi (Rubavu) and Cyangugu (Rusizi) are both close to the DRC border so it’s wise to check the FCO’s travel advice before visiting either.
Top Activities to do/see at Lake Kivu
Relaxation
Lake Kivu is the best place instead of doing the relax, reading books, you can as well enjoy the tropical sunrise along the shores of the lake, the splendid views around the lake like mountains, hills, the islands, watch out the fishing boats in the lake, enjoy the light breeze and the smell of the fresh waters while relaxing which make you have a memorable end about the Rwanda safaris.
Lake Kivu has got the perfect location from all over the parts of Rwanda, Congo. While in Lake Kivu one may enjoy long day hikes, nature walks and boat rides. This includes venturing out on Congo trial that have just been developed where one can do the hikes and bike rides along to have a long day experience.one may as well carry out cultural visit and enjoy different cultural interactions which is an enriching experience to one who pays a visit. Since the lake is also surrounded with hills and mountains where one may enjoy mountain climbing and coast down back on the ride which an interesting game that I would wish one to experience while in Lake Kivu.
Visit Imbabazi orphanage
Visit to the Imbabazi orphanage that is also located near Lake Kivu. This orphanage was established by late Rosamond Carr to take care of the orphans that were being left by their parent who were killed during the Genocide. Rosamond Carr had lived in Rwanda even before the genocide and he da a close relationship with Dian fossey who spear headed the campaign against wildlife conservation mainly the gorillas that were facing poaching.
During the genocide, the orphanages were being moved from one place to another because of insecurity problem however after the genocide in 1994, it was permanently established in Gisenyi as a home for orphans.it is a well-constructed home with beautiful gardens, classic restaurants with standard food and it provides a great view of Virunga volcanoes from the back ground.
Bird watching
Lake Kivu has wide range of bird species, especially the aquatic and wetland species hence making it one of the bird lover’s Paradise. Rwanda is a small landlocked country known for mainly the critically endangered mountain gorillas that live within the Volcanoes National Park in north-western part of the country. However, there are also over 750 species of birds in Rwanda with the highlights being the Albertine Rift endemics.
Among the country’s most remarkable birding spots is Lake Kivu, especially the shores of the Lake in areas such as Kibuye and Gisenyi among others. This Lake lies at an elevation of 1460 meters above sea level with a minimum depth of 480 meters. Lake Kivu is also popular for being one of the few Lakes in the World that experience limnic eruptions which always take place when gases in the water body especially Carbon monoxide and methane are eventually released into the atmosphere thus leading to instant death of humans and animals.