Lake Kivu is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa extending from Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is listed among the Great Lakes of Africa situated along the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley region, the lake is used as a border mark between the countries and some part of the Lake is on the Democratic Republic of Congo side while the larger part lies within Rwanda. It is the largest lake in the land of a thousand hills angelically dotted with many islands, formed as a result of volcanic eruptions in the region, and is placed in the western arm of the African Great Rift Valley.
The lake is the 7th largest African fresh water lake, with many amazing islands placed on both ends, along the Rwandan side the islands include Gisenyi island, Cyangungu island, and Kibuye island, on the Congo part there are islands as well, for example, the Bukavu Island, Goma island, Sake island, Bubare island, the rugged nature of the Lake makes it challenging to measure and know the actual area space it covers however on the Rwandan side it is estimated to cover about 2700 square kilometers stretching to 475m in depth. There are well-developed urban centers surrounding Lake Kivu for example Gisenyi originally known as Rubavu, the town is a busy place from time memorial, it is historically attached to a beach that was meant for only colonials in Rwanda founding their time of reign.
The Karonji town boasts great views of the surrounding backdrop of rolling hilly mountains covered in ever-green vegetation on one side while on the other end is the crystal-clear mountain, and the Rusizi town is also an active town of Rwanda along the beaches of Lake Kivu It is placed with restaurants and accommodation facilities for visitors who come to the destination
Tourism activities to do while on Lake Kivu include boat cruises which are conducted along the beautiful lake to visit the many islands situated in the lake, the activity is done using motorized boats with the lead of an experienced guide, it takes 2-3 hours while on the waters. Boat cruises are done in sessions in the morning, afternoon, and in the evenings for sundowners. A boat cruise to the islands will take you to see coffee plantations along the islands. Fishing along the lake Kivu, several fish species can be found in the lake, local fishermen are doing it for commercial but it can be arranged for travelers to enjoy the experience as well.
There is available accommodation near and around the lake for example the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers travelers a comfortable stay while on their Rwanda safaris. Experiences along the Lake can be combined with other tourist destinations of Rwanda for example the mountain gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee tracking and more primate experiences in the Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the Akagera National Park for wildlife experiences.
In conclusion, Lake Kivu can be visited any time of the year but is best during the dry season between the months of December -February and June-September this is regarded as a high tourism season hence expect more travelers to these destinations. It can be accessed by road from the Kigali International Airport or by air.