Lake Kivu Rwanda
One of Africa's great Rift Valley lakes on Rwanda's western border. Boat trips, swimming, birding, and the best sunsets in Rwanda.
km² lake area
metres depth
metres altitude
Islands
Rwanda's Great Lake
Lake Kivu runs 90 kilometres along Rwanda's western border. It sits at 1,460 metres above sea level, which means the climate is mild, the water is clear, and the views — across to the forested hills of the distant volcanoes — are among the most spectacular in the region.
We base ourselves in Kibuye on the northern shore. It is a quiet fishing town: fishing boats come in at dawn, the market sells fruits and dried fish, and in the evening you watch birds migrating home to roost.
The boat trips are the highlight. We go out to Monkey and Napoleon Islands, with bats and migratory birds the highlight as the sun comes down. We also visit a fishing community — a place that looks much as it would have 100 years ago, with handbuilt wooden boats and nets drying on bamboo poles.
The lake is safe to swim in and we have modern kayaks if you like to self-explore the water's edge.
Life on Lake Kivu
Boat trip, Lake Kivu
Fishermen, Lake Kivu
Turquoise waters, Lake Kivu
Sunset, Lake Kivu
Cormorants, Lake Kivu
Fishing boats, Lake Kivu
Shoreline, Lake Kivu
Vervet Monkey, Monkey Island, Lake Kivu
Stormy hills, Lake Kivu
Evening light, Lake Kivu
Life on Lake Kivu
Boat trips
To Monkey and Napoleon Islands, fishing communities, and along the shore. Bats and migratory birds are the highlight as the sun goes down.
Swimming
Safe swimming and kayaking on clear, clean water surrounded by hills on both sides.
Birding
The lakeshore is excellent for waterbirds — pied kingfisher, malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, cormorant, and the sacred ibis.
Sunset watching
The western orientation means the sunsets here are extraordinary. The best terrace in Kibuye gives you a clear view of the whole event.
Local market
Kibuye's morning market is small and boutique, like the place — genuine and not oriented towards tourists.
Slow time
After early starts and long days on safari and trekking, Kibuye is the right place to slow down, read, and watch the lake.
Part of the 13-day private tour
Lake Kivu is Days 7–8 of the full Rwanda itinerary — from £5,500 per person.
End your Rwanda tour at the lake.
Lake Kivu is worth two nights minimum — ideally three. Get in touch to plan your full itinerary.
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