Lake Kivu

The lake is located in the Albertine Rift, on the Western part of the East African Rift. 58% of its waters are lying in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the rest are situated in Rwanda. Its irregular shores form a number of inlets and peninsulas, and plenty of waterfalls. It’s mainly surrounded by mountains, mainly on the Northern and Western parts, with several peaks of 2800 meters or even higher. The Western shore of the lake is home to the Kahuzi Biega National Park.

The lake bed is set on a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart. This activity has caused significant volcanism in the area, making the valley the 18th deepest in the World, with 480 meters. Lake Kivu is fed by underground springs with high concentrations of carbon-dioxide.

The tenth largest inland island on the planet, Idjwi Island, is located on Kivu Lake. The lake’s main outflow is Ruzizi River, which makes its way and flows into Lake Tanganyika, the second largest freshwater lake in the World.

The lake’s shores are densely populated. Among the main settlements around the lake we can enumerate Kabare, Goma, Bukavu and Sake in DRC, and Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyanguru in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu is Randa largest and most scenic Lake – the sort Rwandan Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya or Zanzibar in Tanzania – it is where Rwandans, Expats and Visitors to Uganda go to relax and chill out for a few days.

There is no better place to bring a safari to an end than at Lake Kivu where you can swim – there is no danger from hippos, crocodiles or even Bilharzia – you can lounge on sandy beaches and take a dip in the lake and enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Kivu.

For most it is simply a place to relax and chill out, while other take nature walks, go birding in a boat or on land, explore some of the islands, the nearby hot springs and more.

There is a variety of hotels to enjoy from budget to exclusive up-market lodges and hotels.  The choice is yours according to what your pocketbook will allow you to spend.

Include Lake Kivu in your Rwanda Safari Itinerary – you will be glad you did – Uganda’s best place where you can relax – chill out – and yet there are many other activities you can partake in.

hire a car to lake kivu with Kigali Car Rentals. we have the best fleet of cars for your journey.