Exploring Lake Kivu
Rwanda’s great lake — beaches at Rubavu (Gisenyi), the Congo Nile Trail, island hops, and where to unwind after gorilla trekking.
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, forms Rwanda’s western edge with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its calm, bilharzia-free water and sandy shores make it the country’s go-to spot to slow down — especially after the effort of a gorilla trek.
The lakeside towns
- Rubavu (Gisenyi) — the main resort town in the north, with beaches, waterfront hotels and an easy border crossing to Goma.
- Karongi (Kibuye) — quieter, set among green hills and islands mid-lake.
- Rusizi (Cyangugu) — in the south, right next to Nyungwe Forest.
Things to do
- Boat trips to the lake’s islands and to see fishermen singing as they paddle at dusk.
- The Congo Nile Trail — a scenic hiking and cycling route along the shore between Rubavu and Rusizi.
- Swimming, kayaking, or simply unwinding on the beach.
Getting there
Rubavu is about a three-hour drive from Kigali and close to Volcanoes National Park, so it pairs naturally with gorilla trekking. See places to stay in Rubavu and Kigali.