Home › Destinations › Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, Rwanda - Things to Do in Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu

Congo, Rwanda - Complete Travel Guide

Congo, one of Africa's Great Lakes, stretches along Rwanda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering visitors a impressive freshwater great destination surrounded by rolling hills and volcanic landscapes. This massive lake, the sixth-largest in Africa, is unique among the Great Lakes as it's safe for swimming due to its lack of hippos and crocodiles, making it a perfect destination for water activities and relaxation. The lake's shoreline is dotted with charming resort towns like Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu, each offering their own distinct character and attractions. The region around Congo combines natural beauty with rich cultural experiences, from traditional fishing villages to modern lakeside resorts. Visitors can explore the lake's numerous islands, enjoy water sports, visit local coffee plantations, or simply relax on sandy beaches while taking in the spectacular mountain views. The area serves as both a peaceful retreat and an adventure base, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nearby Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Top Lake Kivu

Island Hopping and Boat Tours

Explore Congo's scattered islands by traditional boat or modern speedboat, visiting Napoleon Island with its fruit bat colonies and other scenic islets. These tours offer impressive views of the surrounding hills and provide opportunities to spot local birdlife and enjoy the lake's crystal-clear waters. Many tours include stops at fishing villages where you can interact with local communities and learn about traditional fishing methods.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours through your hotel or local operators for $30-60 per person depending on duration and group size. Best times are early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and wildlife viewing. Look for operators with life jackets and experienced local guides.

Coffee Plantation Tours

Visit working coffee plantations around Congo to learn about Rwanda's renowned coffee production process from bean to cup. These tours typically include walking through coffee gardens, observing harvesting and processing methods, and enjoying tastings of fresh local coffee. The region's volcanic soil and climate create ideal conditions for high-quality arabica coffee cultivation.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $15-25 per person and are best during harvest season (March-July). Book through local cooperatives or hotels for real feels. Morning tours offer the best weather and most active plantation work to observe.

Kayaking and Water Sports

Take advantage of Congo's calm, safe waters for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or swimming in one of Africa's most pristine lakes. The lake's unique chemistry makes it safe from dangerous wildlife, while its size offers endless exploration opportunities along scenic shorelines. Equipment is available for rent at most lakeside towns and resorts.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $10-20 per day, with guided tours available for $25-40 per person. Early morning offers the calmest conditions and best visibility. Choose operators with quality equipment and safety briefings, especially for longer excursions.

Hot Springs and Spa Experiences

Relax at natural hot springs near the lake's volcanic shores, particularly around Gisenyi and Rubavu areas, where geothermal activity creates therapeutic warm water pools. Many lakeside resorts also offer spa treatments incorporating local ingredients and traditional wellness practices. These experiences provide perfect relaxation after active days exploring the region.

Booking Tip: Hot springs access is often free or costs $5-10 entry fee. Resort spa treatments range from $30-80 depending on services. Visit hot springs early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best temperatures.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore the rolling hills and volcanic landscapes surrounding Congo through various hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Popular routes include walks through local villages, forest trails, and climbs to scenic viewpoints. The area's moderate climate and well-maintained paths make it suitable for hikers of various skill levels.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $20-40 per person depending on distance and difficulty. Hire local guides through hotels or community tourism offices for $10-15 per day. Best hiking conditions are during dry seasons (June-September and December-February).

Getting There

Congo is accessible by road from Kigali, Rwanda's capital, with the journey taking 2-4 hours depending on your destination along the lake. The most popular route leads to Gisenyi/Rubavu in the north (2.5 hours), while Kibuye takes about 3 hours and Cyangugu in the south requires 4 hours of driving. Public buses and private shuttles operate regularly from Kigali, or you can hire a private driver for more flexibility. Some visitors combine Congo with gorilla trekking in nearby Volcanoes National Park, which is just 1-2 hours from the northern lake towns.

Getting Around

Getting around Congo region is best accomplished by private vehicle, motorcycle taxi (moto), or bicycle for shorter distances. Boats and water taxis connect various points along the shoreline and provide scenic transportation between towns. Most lakeside accommodations can arrange transportation or bicycle rentals for guests. Walking is pleasant and safe in most areas, particularly in town centers and along established paths. For longer distances between lake towns, shared taxis and minibuses operate regularly, though schedules can be flexible.

Where to Stay

Gisenyi/Rubavu waterfront
Kibuye peninsula
Cyangugu lakeside
Nyamirundi Island
Rusizi riverside
Karongi town center

Food & Dining

Congo's dining scene centers around fresh fish from the lake, particularly tilapia and sambaza (small sardine-like fish), often grilled or prepared in traditional Rwandan style with local vegetables and ugali. Lakeside restaurants and hotels offer both international cuisine and local specialties, with many featuring outdoor terraces overlooking the water. Local markets in towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye provide fresh produce, while small local eateries serve authentic Rwandan dishes at very reasonable prices. Many accommodations offer full-board options, and some organize traditional cooking classes where guests can learn to prepare local dishes using ingredients from nearby farms and the lake itself.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Rwanda

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Question Coffee Gishushu

4.6 /5
(1249 reviews) 2
cafe store tourist_attraction

The House of Mandi

4.8 /5
(1154 reviews) 2

Nature Kigali

4.9 /5
(1044 reviews)
cafe clothing_store lodging

Repub Lounge

4.5 /5
(920 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Afrinaija Pots Restaurant

4.8 /5
(646 reviews) 2

Soy Asian Table

4.5 /5
(511 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Congo is during Rwanda's two dry seasons: June to September and December to February, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities. These periods offer the clearest skies for photography, calmest lake conditions for water sports, and best hiking weather. The long dry season (June-September) is particularly ideal as it coincides with excellent wildlife viewing in nearby parks. However, Congo's moderate climate makes it a year-round destination, with the rainy seasons (March-May and October-November) bringing lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, though some activities may be limited by weather.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance during peak season (July-August) as lakeside properties fill up quickly with both international visitors and locals on holiday
Bring sunscreen and a hat as the equatorial sun reflects strongly off the lake water, making sunburn more likely even on cloudy days
Try the local Mutzig beer or banana beer (urwagwa) while watching the sunset over the lake - many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials with spectacular views

Activities in Lake Kivu