Top activities to do when you self-drive to Lake Kivu.
One of the most stunning lakes in East Africa, Africa is reached after driving approximately four and a half hours from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Lake Kivu. It is one of the major bodies of water in the western branch of the Great East African Rift Valley. Lake Kivu is the seventh largest lake in Africa and spanning both Rwanda’s western border and Congo’s eastern border.
Lake Kivu has stunning green waters that draw tourists year-round. The lake plays a significant economic role in Rwanda as it contains methane at it depths that is used to generate power nearby factories.
A road drive to the lake is so exciting as the lake is surrounded by peaceful hills. as you wind around the hills, it’s so amazing as you catch a glimpse of the lake views in the distance. With the glittering waters that have been caressed by the sun and set against a backdrop of verdant hills and trees, the view is so captivating.
The lake is an ideal adventure location, with breathtaking views, interesting activities, and relaxation opportunities. As you plan your self-drive tour to Lake Kivu, here are some activities you should not miss.
Take a scenic drive along the lake.
Taking a picturesque drive along Lake Kivu’s shores is one of the best ways to see the lake. There are many chances to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake that can be seen from the road. The lake is surrounded by heavily populated fishing villages and towns like Gisenyi (Rubavu), Karongi (Kibuye), and Changugu (Rusizi) in Rwanda and Bukavu, Kabare, Sake, Kalehe, and Goma in DR Congo. These places are perfect spots for viewing the lake and spending the evenings watching the golden reflection of the calm waters at the evening sunset. While on your drive, don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch, or you can stop at one of the good hotels and restaurants in the towns around the lake.
Enjoy boat cruises
Lake Kivu is popularly known for being free from hippos and crocodiles due to the presence of toxic gases underneath. This makes the lake so ideal for boat cruises. You can paddle on a rented boat or canoe to explore the lake on your own or join others with a local guide. A boat cruise is so relaxing, you can visit some islands on the lake, for example, Napoleon Island, known for harbouring fruit bats, Amahoro Island, Idjwi Island, Amizero Island, Iwawa Island, and Monkey Island, among others. A boat cruise exposes you to the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. A sunset boat cruise is so amazing.
Water Sports.
You can try a range of water sports at Lake Kivu. Find joy in some of the popular activities like wakeboarding, jet skiing, windsurfing, or sailing. Travellers are advised to pack sunscreen and a swimsuit for an enjoyable excursion on the water.
Coffee tour
Coffee tours are an enjoyable and informative activity you can try while on your self-drive visit to Lake Kivu.
Rwanda has a reputation as a coffee producer and exporter worldwide and has many coffee plantations in different parts of the country, including the breathtaking areas around Lake Kivu.
While on your visit to a coffee plantation, you’ll learn how to pick the coffee beans, wash, dry, roast, and grind them, and then enjoy a fresh cup of coffee that you made yourself with the help and guidance of the locals at the plantation.
Visiting the coffee plantation, participating in the activities you find there, tasting the processed coffee, and later buying some of the already processed coffee to take home, is one way of supporting Rwanda’s economic development.
Relax on the beaches.
Lake Kivu grants visitors’ luxury relaxation on its beautiful beaches. Gisenyi and Kibuye provide the best location for relaxation on their sandy beaches while swimming, sunbathing, and other activities like jet skiing and windsurfing. A swimming environment is possible for all age groups as the lake is bilharzia-free. Beaches offer perfect moments for picnics, reading, and sunbathing.
Explore the surrounding nature and culture
Apart from enjoying the serene waters of Lake Kivu, you can extend your self-drive trip to areas surrounding the lake. You can visit the Gisenyi Genocide Memorial site to pay tribute to approximately 1200 people who were killed in this place during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In Kibuye too, is a Genocide memorial church. At these places, you get to learn more about Rwanda’s history. Visit the marketplaces in both Gisenyi and Kibuye to interact with the residents, share their life stories, local cuisine, and support them by purchasing some of their handmade crafts.
Alternatively, you can visit the Imbabazi orphanage in Gisenyi, a place started by Rosamond Carr, to shelter and help the children who remained orphans and homeless after the genocide. This place is so important to the community. You can be part of the challenge if you donate to this cause while on your visit to areas around Lake Kivu.
In conclusion
Lake Kivu is a peaceful and appealing location that presents a natural splendor along with lively activities for guests to experience. From Lake Kivu, you can easily tailor your self-drive safari to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla tracking or Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and Canopy Walk, and other adventurous activities. a self-drive expedition to Lake Kivu is an unforgettable experience that keeps you moving at your own pace, relaxing on the beaches, participating in water sports, and exploring the local culture.
After setting your travel dates to Rwanda, contact Self Drive Rwanda, a trusted car rental Company and tour operator, for offers of the best 4×4 jeeps for your self-drive safari to Lake Kivu and any other parts of Rwanda and East Africa. You can send an email to info@selfdriverwanda.com or call/WhatsApp us on +250 792682421 to speak to the reservation team.