Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, sitting at 1,460 metres elevation on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its calm waters, sandy beaches, and hilly shoreline make it the ideal relaxation destination after the physically demanding gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park.
The lakeside towns of Gisenyi (Rubavu) and Kibuye (Karongi) offer waterfront accommodation, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat trips to Napoleon Island — home to large colonies of fruit bats. The hot springs near Gisenyi provide natural thermal pools for bathing.
The Congo-Nile Trail, a 227-kilometre hiking and cycling route along the lake’s eastern shore, is one of Rwanda’s top outdoor adventures, passing through farming communities, coffee plantations, and spectacular viewpoints.