Unique Lake kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and is in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest and most scenic Lake. It is where Rwandans and other Visitors to Uganda go to relax and chill out for a few days. The lake has a maximum depth of 475 m (1,558 ft.) and a mean depth of 220 m (722 ft.), making it the world’s eighteenth deepest lake by maximum depth, and the ninth deepest by mean depth. There is no better place to bring a safari to an end than at Lake Kivu where you can swim. Interestingly there is no danger from hippos, crocodiles or even Bilharzia. You can lounge on sandy beaches and take a dip in the lake and enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Kivu. The lake bed sits upon a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity in the area. Settlements on the lake’s shore include Bukavu, Kabare, Kalehe, Sake, and Goma in Congo, and Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu in Rwanda.
Activities one can engage in at the lake
Fishing
At Lake Kivu, fishermen use a special method to fish for small fish called isambaza. With three vessels tied together, and using lights at night, they attract the fish and then catch them in nets suspended below their boats. During September and October each year all fishing is banned to allow the stocks to rejuvenate, and during the full moon, fishing is not possible because the fish are not attracted to the light. One can join the fishermen for an evening on their boat to learn about their traditional techniques, watch and listen to the fishermen singing as they paddle in unison and watch the isambaza fishing boats with their beams and telescopic poles during the day along the shores, kayak out to watch the fishing boats leave at sunset for night, and experience one of the remarkable sights in Rwanda, above all, taste the isambaza and tilapia fishes in the local restaurants.
Relaxing and chilling out
Lake Kivu is one of the best places to relax and chill out in Rwanda after gorilla tracking, hiking up Volcanoes, Biking or Hiking the Congo Trail, and Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park. It is a perfect place to enjoy the tropical sun, the splendid views of the lake, the islands, the mountains, fishing boats, the smell of the water, the light breeze. Relaxing and Chilling out along Lake Kivu is the best way to bring your Rwandan Safari to a memorable end.
Boat rides
Hire the speed boat “Munezero” from Rwanda Development Board in Gisenyi. The boat rides offer adventurous travelers an exciting way to discover Rwanda. The views are also spectacular.
Hiking and biking
Lake Kivu is the perfect location for hiking, nature walks and bike rides. This includes venturing out on the newly developed Nile-Congo Trail where you can hike or bike along for days, or visit cultural villages make it a memorable experience. There are hills that you can climb around Lake Kivu and coast back down on your bike. Just let us know what you are interested in for your time in Lake Kivu and we will arrange it for you.
Visit Nyiragongo volcano
Nyiragongo Volcano is the world largest lava lake 1500m of ascent. Camp in the bandas at the top (3500m) and admire the lava lake. The smoke from the volcano during the day and its glow at night can be observed in Gisenyi, Kibuye and Nyungwe forest. The views are spectacular.
Visit coffee and tea factories
See the full life cycle of coffee. At Cyimbili and Kinunu you can watch the entire process of making a perfect cup of coffee – from seeing coffee beans growing on the bush to a delicious cup of locally grown and made coffee.
Visit Rosamond imbabazi orphanage
Imbabazi Orphanage was started by Rosamond who lived for many years in the Mugongo area where she started a flower plantation that supplied hotels with fresh flowers from Kigali to locals. She was a very close friend of Dian Fossey. In 1994 she began the Imbabazi Orphanage – it moved several times but as security returned to the area – the orphanage returned to the Gisenyi Area. Rosamond Carr died in 2006 but her memory lives on through the flower farms and the Imbabazi Foundation’s work with children. Learn about Rosamond Carr’s life and her friendship with Dian Fossey. Enjoy lunch and be entertained by the Imbabazi Dancers. Rwanda is more than Mountain Gorillas; partake in other stimulating activities that you will long remember after leaving Rwanda.
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