Lake Kivu – Lake Kivu is one of the great lakes in Africa and lies on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Albertine Rift, covering an area of 2,700 sq km with a surface elevation of 1,460 meters.
It empties its water into the Ruzizi River, flowing southwards into Lake Tanganyika with Idjwi Island. It was first discovered by a German explorer and officer, Gustav Adolf von Götzen.
Lake Kivu is the largest local source of fish in Rwanda, providing more than 20,000 tons of fish year in and year out, becoming a great source of fish for exportation.
Examples of fish caught in Lake Kivu:
- Ripon barbel
- Nile tilapia
- East African red-finned barb
Lake Kivu contains combustible carbon dioxide and methane that threaten a number of communities.
It is also framed by imposing cliffs, nestled within a verdant valley straddling Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, hence it is described as a killer lake.
However, swimming in Lake Kivu is generally safe as it doesn’t host dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles.
Over 9,000-13,000 years ago, Lake Kivu drained towards the north, contributing to the White Nile.
However, due to volcanic activity, Lake Kivu’s outlet to the watershed of the Nile was blocked.
This volcanic activity produced mountains including the Virungas, which rose between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward to the north.
The water from Lake Kivu was forced south to the Ruzizi River, which raised the level of Tanganyika, causing it to overflow into the Lukuga River.
Out of the three lakes worldwide, Lake Kivu, alongside Lake Nyos and Monoun, has underground limnic eruptions.
For adventurous travelers, a kayaking tour on Lake Kivu or hiking one of the six off-the-beaten-path stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail could be the most exciting way to tour Rwanda.
Other Tourist Activities on Lake Kivu
- Sport-fishing (Recreational Fishing)
- Boat Cruises
- Water Sports
- Hiking & Biking
- Coffee Tour
- Swimming
- Birding
- Island Hopping
- Chilling on the Beach
Cost of Touring Lake Kivu
It costs about $85-$480 depending on activities tourists engage in. For example:
- 1 day Lake Kivu Karongi safari from $488
- Boat cruise on Lake Kivu Rwanda from $85
- One-day Lake Kivu and Lake Gisenyi adventures from $243.60
Transport
Lake Kivu can be accessed through air, road, and water transport.
For air transport, the national carrier (RwandAir) operates daily flights between Kigali International Airport and Kamembe Airport adjacent to Ruzizi.
For road transport, private and public means can be used, whereby with the latter, you just have to make your way to Nyabugogo Bus Park.
Accommodation
- Palm Beach Resort Kivu
- Emeraude Kivu Resort Hotel
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Inzozi Beach Hotel
- Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel
- Hillview Hotel
In conclusion, visiting Lake Kivu would be one of the most unforgettable moments because of the different activities tourists can engage in.
