Tourist activities to do in Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu is one of the treasures that Rwanda holds and is situated within the western side of the county bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. This Freshwater Lake is part of the Great Rift Valley region of Africa and represents beauty and tranquility, through its turquoise and emerald green waters as well as the breathtaking mountains/hillsides that serve as its backdrop.
With a total surface area of 270,000 hectares (2700 square kilometers), Lake Kivu is so far the largest Lake in Rwanda and surprisingly the 6th largest in the African continent. This Lake is interestingly the home to the World’s tenth largest Island on a Lake (known as Idjwi). Therefore, the following are the interesting tourist activities you can enjoy in and around the beautiful Lake Kivu
Swimming
Swimming is one of the top activities that take place in Lake Kivu and given the fact that its waters are Bilharzia and Crocodile free, it is one of the most perfect Lakes in Africa for swimming. There is no perfect way to be relieved from a week-long work stress than cooling-off in the waters of this Lake and its pristine beaches are ideal for relaxing.
Relaxing
Picture yourself relaxing by the beachside with the sound of water waves and singing birds. This is what you need after a long stressful week or after your gorilla trekking, mountaineering and chimpanzee trekking trip.
Kayaking
Kayaking on Lake Kivu is one of the most adventurous and breathtaking way of exploring the land of a thousand hills. Other water sports undertaken in Lake Kivu are boat rides to the different Islands of the Lake, wind surfing and many others.
Cycling/ or Mountain biking along the Congo Nile Trail
Taking the off-the-beaten path by cycling along the Congo Nile Trail is one of the most unforgettable activities you are likely to enjoy during your visit to Lake Kivu. Ranging from hours to several days, the choice you make will determine your experience and to explore the beauty of the Lake’s surrounding and explore the culture of the people, it is advisable to opt for days along the Congo-Nile Trail. This Trail is about 227 kilometers long and involves exploring jaw-dropping hillsides, mountains, terraced gardens and eucalyptus forests from Rubavu in the North of the Lake to Rusizi in the south.
Visit to the Imbabazi Orphanage
Imbabazi Orphanage in Gisenyi was founded in 1994 by Rosamond Carr as a home of love and care for orphans and victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. She founded the center at the age of 82 years but unfortunately died in 2006. During its foundation there were 400 orphans who later became influential people in society.
During your visit to Lake Kivu, you will undertake a boat cruise to the Imbabazi orphanage to learn about how the site was founded, meet the children at the orphanage and even donate at will.
Coffee tours
Some areas around Lake Kivu and Islands especially the Nyamirundi Island are covered with coffee plantations and through a boat ride through the Lake, you will be ushered to some of these areas for a chance to learn about how coffee is planted, harvested and processed.
Best time to visit Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu can be visited all year round but the drier months (January, February, June, July, August, September and December) are perfect for most activities especially relaxing and swimming among others.
Other places to visit in Rwanda
Besides Lake Kivu, Rwanda the land of a thousand hills has other magnificent places to visit and these include the four National Parks-Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest, Gishwati-Mukura and Nyungwe Forest National Parks, the City of Kigali with its spectacular attractions and many others.
Where to stay
If you are looking for exquisite places to stay while on your visit to Lake Kivu, look no further than the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel, Cormoran Lodge, Paradise Malahide and many others.