Rwanda’s Answer to Lake Victoria — genuine rest between the country’s more physically demanding experiences.
One of the African Great Lakes, straddling the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu offers the same decompression role for a Rwanda itinerary that Lake Victoria plays in Uganda — swimming, boat trips and simple lakeside rest after a physically demanding gorilla trek.
A Genuinely Scenic LakesideRwanda’s famous "land of a thousand hills" character is on full display around Lake Kivu, with terraced tea and coffee plantations running down to the water and scattered islands offering their own lodge experiences.
Lake Kivu sits within reach of both Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest, making it a natural, scenic link between the two rather than a significant detour.
One to two nights is typical, usually positioned between a gorilla trek and a Nyungwe Forest visit, or as a closing stop before departure.
Boat excursions, swimming, and visits to the lakeside towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye all add gentle activity to what is primarily a rest stop in most itineraries.
Speak to a safari designer about adding Lake Kivu to your itinerary.
