Lake Kivu

Rwanda - Classic Rwanda

Part of Africaā€™s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwandaā€™s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.

Rubavu ā€“ previously known as Gisenyi ā€“ is a large town on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, an hourā€™s drive from Volcanoes National Park and the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking. Once a colonial beach resort of note, Rubavuā€™s waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, hotels and trendy bars on the lakeshore, ideal for sundowner cocktails.

Karongi, halfway along the lake, is a popular beach resort with hillsides covered in pines and eucalyptus serve as a backdrop to the sparkling lake. At dawn and dusk, the sound of local fisherman singing carries across the water as they paddle in unison.

smiling white male wearing a backpack

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