Lake Kivu

Rift-Valley lake beach towns — Rubavu, Kibuye, Rusizi.

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Country

Rwanda

Region

Western Rwanda

Best time

Year-round

About Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of Africa's Great Lakes — bilharzia-free, with beaches at Rubavu (Gisenyi), Kibuye and Rusizi. Combine with Volcanoes or Nyungwe for a beach-and-forest loop.

Highlights

Beach towns of Rubavu & Kibuye
Boat trips to Napoleon Island
Congo-Nile Trail
Border with DRC views

Best time to visit

Year-round

Itineraries

Tours that visit Lake Kivu

Choose a curated departure or use any of these as a starting point — we'll tailor the itinerary, dates and pace to you.

Lake Kivu & Congo Nile Trail Hike — 5 Days

Photo: Max Chiswick / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Adventure & Active Moderate

Lake Kivu & Congo Nile Trail Hike — 5 Days

Rubavu beaches, Karongi islands, and 3 sections of the 227 km Congo Nile Trail.

✓Private 4×4 vehicle with experienced driver-guide for all road transfers
✓4 nights full-board accommodation in Kivu lakeshore resorts and lodges
✓Mountain bikes with helmets and repair kit, or trekking poles and daypack support

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Photo: Emmanuelkwizera / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Multi-Country & Grand Tours Moderate

Rwanda Grand Tour — 8 Days

Kigali · gorillas · golden monkeys · Nyungwe · Akagera · Kivu — the complete Rwanda.

✓Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof hatch and driver-guide throughout
✓7 nights accommodation on full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✓1 mountain gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park)

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Photo: Synkubito / CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Honeymoon & Luxury Moderate

Rwanda Honeymoon Signature — 6 Days

Private gorillas + luxury Lake Kivu + canopy walk — Rwanda's romantic circuit.

✓Private 4×4 safari vehicle with dedicated English-speaking driver-guide throughout
✓5 nights luxury lodge accommodation (Bisate Lodge × 2 nights, lakeside boutique hotel at Rubavu × 1 night, One&Only Nyungwe House × 2 nights)
✓1 mountain gorilla trekking permit per person (Volcanoes National Park)

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