Things to do
Kayaking and boat trips
Kayaking on Lake Kivu is the best way to explore the bays and islands. Guided trips range from a few hours to multi-day paddles between towns. Motorboat trips from Karongi visit Napoleon’s Island, with its colony of fruit bats, and Amahoro Island.
The Congo Nile Trail
The 227-kilometre Congo Nile Trail follows the ridges and shore from Rubavu to Rusizi through villages, coffee farms and tea estates. Cycle or hike it in sections of one to several days, with your luggage carried ahead.
Coffee tours
The fertile volcanic hills around the lake grow some of Rwanda’s best coffee. A coffee farm tour shows every step from cherry to cup, often with a cooperative of local farmers.
Evening fishermen
At dusk, fishermen set out in three-hulled wooden boats joined by long poles, singing to keep their paddling in rhythm. Watching them leave is one of the lake’s most memorable sights.
Relaxing and swimming
Sandy beaches at Rubavu, quiet coves at Karongi and lakeside gardens everywhere make it easy to do nothing at all.
The three towns
| Town | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rubavu (Gisenyi) | Lively, sandy beaches, lakeside promenade | After gorilla trekking, nightlife, Congo border |
| Karongi (Kibuye) | Quiet, steep hills, islands | Kayaking, island trips, scenery |
| Rusizi (Cyangugu) | Small, near the southern tip | Combining with Nyungwe |
History
Karongi was the site of terrible massacres during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and the Bisesero memorial in the hills above it is one of Rwanda’s national memorial sites. A visit is moving and gives important context for Rwanda today; it pairs naturally with the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Where to stay
Rubavu has the widest choice, from lakeside resort hotels with sandy beaches to boutique guesthouses. Karongi has smaller lodges on the hillsides with superb views over the islands, and several eco-lodges are reached only by boat. In Rusizi, a few simple hotels overlook the southern bays and are convenient for Nyungwe.
Food and drink
Try grilled tilapia from the lake, sambaza (fried isambaza) with a cold local beer, and Kivu coffee from the cooperatives along the shore. Many lodges buy their fish directly from the night fishermen.
Planning your visit
Two nights at the lake fit naturally after Volcanoes National Park and before Nyungwe. Our 4-day Rwanda gorillas and Lake Kivu safari is the classic short combination.
