4 days Kayaking trip on lake Kivu.
This 4 days kayaking trip on lake Kivu on e of the best ways to explore the lake from Gisenyi to Kibuye. Starting your trip from Gisenyi towards Cyimbili, you can peacefully paddle along the coast and see the whole operation of Rwanda’s famous coffee industry, witness the farm -to- cup coffee experience. The next stop will be Kinunu, which has a small hotel a romantic lodge and camping sites which provide scenic views of the distant Virunga volcanoes. Proceed down the coast for one last night on a beautiful island with no human settlements but only covered by untamed woodlands that are home to several bird species. Next, paddle through the clear blue water of Lake Kivu’s “Bay of Islands,” with stops at less inhabited islands like Napoleon Island, which is famous for its bat colony, on the way to a hotel in Kibuye where you will meet your driver guide.
Detailed Itinerary
Day: Gisenyi to Chimbili
Our tour guide driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and drive to Gisenyi where the actual trip begins. After breakfast at your hotel in Gisenyi, the driver will and take you along the beach where you will have briefing about your lake Kivu exploration in a kayak, later with your water / kayak guide, start a peaceful paddling as you enjoy the beautiful scenery oof the lake and the surrounding landscape setting. The first place we visit is Cyimbili, where you will observe the whole coffee production process, from the coffee plant beans(berries) to a taste of a fresh cup of roasted coffee.
From the water near Cyimbili, you can see other coffee islands. you will pass fishing villages and watch traditional lake life; swimming is also possible on the calm bays. Relaxation and overnight a camping ground at Chimbili or a lake side accommodation.
Day 2: Chimbili to Kinunu
Today after breakfast, you will have a moderate paddle along the coast. The bays and inlets will make for a beautiful setting for your trip. You’ll get to Kinunu just in time for lunch. A visit to Kinunu coffee washing station provides more information about Rwanda coffee production and processing. Lake side relaxation is worth in the area, and the night stay can be at any guest house or eco ecolodge near Kinunu.
Day 3: Kinunu to Bugarura Island
When the day starts, continue your kayaking adventure as you enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Kivu’s “Bay of Islands” and rising hills, terraced farms and a few settlements. On Bugarura Island, you can embark on a guided nature walk during which you can do birding, swimming is also possible on the designated places close the island as you will enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the lake. You can go wild camping on the island or stay at an organized home residence.
Day 4: Bugarura Island to Kibuye
After an early morning meal, paddle south towards Kibuye. a stop over at the Napoleon Island gives your journey a beautiful conclusion. watch the fruit bats colonies, procced sailing through other small islands on the calm, sheltered waters as you approach Kibuye. In Kibuye, cerebrate lake side food, refresh and later meet your driver guide to transfer back to Kigali. Drop off will be at your desired location, hotel or airport.
End of 4 days kayaking trip on lake Kivu.
Optional additions:
Your Rwanda expedition on Lake Kivu can be extended further south to Cyagungu, or combined with hiking experiences in Nyungwe Forest National Park or Volcanoes National Park.