About this experience
A day trip to Lake Kivu provides a relaxing and enjoyable experience of a Rwandan must-visit destination. The trip, starting in Kigali, can take you to either Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) or Karongi (formerly Kibuye), both on the shores of the lake.
It takes a 3.5-4 hour drive from Kigali by road and is a fantastic and pleasant way to spend some time relaxing on the water as you enjoy a little peace and quiet. The real joy of driving in this area, is that every corner produces another scenic view of the countryside. Eucalyptus trees line the road setile every inch of the hills seems to be terraced with bananas. Villagers smile, and wave.
Boating on the lake offers very beautiful scenery, calm, and peaceful.
The local boat captains give you an insight into Rwandan culture and rural life in the fishing villages at the lake's edge. During your day trip to Lake Kivu from Kigali, you either visit Rubavu district or Karongi district, The district lies on the shores of Lake Kivu.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr–14 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr–14 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- •Hot lunch of your choice on the food menu at Lake shores while you relax with rolling green hills.
- •Boat cruise on Lake Kivu and Visit hot springs (you can try leg massage in Rubavu (Gisenyi)
- •Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali City, Kigali airport.
- •Unforgettable Photo Opportunities – Every moment is wild and wonderful!
- •Opted Trip : Rubavu or Karongi
- •Private Transport : 4x4 Land Cruiser, 4x4 safari vehicle or Similar
Not included
- •Everything else not mentioned in the Inclusions.
Itinerary and highlights
Early morning after breakfast, you will be picked up by Afri Safaris driver guide at your hotel in Kigali & drive to Lake Kivu.
The distance from Kigali to Lake Kivu is 187 km tarmas road & takes about 3.5 hours with no rush. Heading north we proceed to the Volcanoes Mountains base town of Musanze located about 95 km.(approx 2.5 hours)
10 am Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, we immediately embark on a 2 hour boat excursion on Lake Kivu. The boat trip takes you around the nearby islands, passing close to Rwanda's main breweries (BRALIRWA), visit hot springs, Paradise Island, a distant view of the Methane Gas Plant & enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the terraced hillsides, amongst other attractions.
12 Pm The excursion returns to Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where you disembark and proceed for lunch at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel while enjoying the beach view
14 Pm After lunch at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel then drive back to Kigali making an optional stop for souvenir shopping on route to the city.
After being picked up in Kigali, you will be transferred to Karongi.
In Karongi, your visit can include a boat cruise to some of the lake's islands to see the local fruit bat population & enjoy the quiet.
A boat ride on Lake Kivu offers a chance to see a variety of bird life & different animals like monkeys & otters on the lakeshore The Lake Kivu region is home to over 400 species of birds, ranging from small passerines to large waterfowl. Some of the most common species in the region are white-breasted cormorants, pied kingfishers pelicans, crowned cranes, malachite kingfishers, al osprey. A short hike to Napoleon Island is also included to see a large colony of bats & also to look for giant African millipedes water snakes, eagles, & a wide variety of water birds. This action-packed private tour includes lunch & is conducted by an English-speaking guide. You travel in a 4x4 safari vehicle, seeing some of the scenic Rwandan countryside as you drive from Kigali Lake Kivu & back again.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please give some details about the hotel name for pickup or the street number of the house and the neighborhood in Kigali city, or along the way to Lake Kivu.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Afri Safaris
Accessibility and practical details
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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