Lake Kivu 365

One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Kivu lies in the east of Rwanda, forming a natural border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake lies in the Albertine Rift, which is part of the Great Rift Valley. Covering a total surface area of around 2 700 square kilometres, Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which in turns feeds into another of Africa’s great lakes, Lake Tanganyika.

The largest city on the shores of Lake Kivu is Gisenyi. Known for sandy tropical beaches and a variety of watersports, this rustic town is an excellent tourist destination offering a range of beachfront accommodation, bustling marketplaces and charming tree-lined streets, as well as the only brewery in Rwanda. Gisenyi is perfectly situated to serve as a stopover for travellers heading to or from the Volcanoes National Park.

Another town worth a visit on the lake’s shores is Kibuye, which stretches over a series of eucalyptus and pine covered hillsides, and is now easier than ever to access thanks to a new road from Kigali, making it a more popular destination.