[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1668178673007{background-image: url(https://universalventuresrwanda.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lake20Kivu-min-scaled.jpg?id=2689) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”120px”][vc_custom_heading text=”LAKE KIVU” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_empty_space height=”180px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1564950861006{margin-top: -90px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” color=”green” spacing=”” alignment=”center” active_section=”1″ css=”.vc_custom_1675348479797{border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_tta_section title=”Lake Kivu” tab_id=”a”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Lake Kivu” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230a0a0a” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and lies on the border between DRC and Rwanda. It is part of the Albertine Rift Valley. Lake Kivu is approximately 2700km squared and in one of three known ‘exploding’ lakes. This term in used to describe the severe lake overturns which it experiences. It is not yet proven what triggers these lake overturns but volcanic activity is suspected.

Lake Kivu has a unique gaseous chemical composition of methane and carbon dioxide. The Rwandan government is looking into large scale methane extraction. This project is likely to increase Rwanda’s energy generation capability by as much as 20 times and will enable Rwanda to sell electricity to neighboring African countries.

Lake Kivu Location

Rubavu, Gisenyi

The restful shores of Lake Kivu provide a great place for swimming, sunbathing and water sports activities. The most developed of the three resort towns, Gisenyi, is under an hour by car from the Volcanoes National Park and has colonial architecture, attractive palm-lined sandy beach and crystal waters.  Drawn in by the sweet waters of the lake, the birdlife of Lake Kivu is also prolific with kingfishers, pelicans and cranes all gracing its shores.

  • What to do in Gisenyi (Rubavu)

There is a pleasant public beach on Gisenyi’s lakeshore but it can get quite busy, particularly at weekends. Some hotels have private beaches and water sport options.

Driving north from Gisenyi (Rubavu), the Imbabazi Orphanage founded by American Rosamund Halsey Carr, is a beautiful memorial to a remarkable lady. On returning to Rwanda after the genocide at the age of 82, she transformed her ransacked house into an orphanage for survivors and over 400 orphans have since called this place home. Sitting among colourful gardens, the house looks like an English country cottage, complete with an aging Labrador. Imbabazi is planning to develop a cultural centre in Carr’s memory and runs a variety of projects for local people, continuing to support its former orphans. Your driver/guide will need to contact the orphanage beforehand should you like to visit.

rwanda gorilla trekking safaris, rwanda gorilla safari, gorilla trekking rwanda, rwanda gorilla tours, gorilla trekking in volcanoes park, gorilla tours in rwanda, gorillas in rwandaKarongi, Kibuye

Heading south of Gisenyi, you will reach Kibuye, whose hills are filled with pine trees and eucalyptus, which would not be out of place in the Alps. Access to Kibuye is easy from Kigali, which makes it a popular spot for both Rwandans, who enjoy coming to the lake as a weekend retreat from the city, as well as international visitors who soak up the laid-back lakeside atmosphere.

  • What to do in Kibuye (Karongi)

From Kibuye (Karongi) you can take boat trips on Lake Kivu to nearby islands: Napoleon Island with its colony of fruit bats and Amahoro Island, which became popular locally for the sundowner bar set up on the island seasonally!
It’s also possible to visit Kibuye’s genocide memorial church, with brightly coloured stained-glass windows, in a quiet location on a hill above Lake Kivu. Despite a tragic history, it’s a place for peaceful contemplation.

Rusizi, Cyangugu

Cyangugu is situated closer to Nyungwe Forest and is the least developed of the three towns for tourism, characterised by small inlets that weave in and out of the encompassing valleys. Away from these three more established towns and transiting between them you will witness the rural splendour of the ancient lake lifestyle, with many traditional dugout canoes that gently ply the lake’s waters, colourful costumes and local residents playing iningire guitars and troubadours.

At the southern end of Lake Kivu, Cyangugu (pronounced ‘Shangugu’ – its new name of Rusizi is easier to pronounce!) is an old border town whose fading façades tell of its past as a vital trading gateway. It makes for a convenient base if you want to combine a stay on Lake Kivu with Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is only 45 minutes away, although there are limited hotel options.

LAKE KIVU CAN BE A GREAT CHOICE OF DESTINATION EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER GORILLA TRACKING IN THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, OR EVEN AS PART OF A MORE EXTENSIVE ITINERARY OF THE COUNTRY, PERHAPS BREAKING UP THE LONG JOURNEY BETWEEN THE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AND NYUNGWE FOREST.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Imbabazi Orphanage” tab_id=”c”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]Imbabazi Orphanage is located in Gisenyi, originally started in December 1994 by Rosamond Carr from New York, USA. Rosamond Carr brought a flower plantation in the Mugongo area in 1955, for the next 50 years she witnessed the end of colonialism, celebrated Rwanda’s independence and became one of Diane Fossey’s closest friends. Rosamond was forced to leave by the American Embassy in April 1994 due to the outbreak of the genocide. She returned in August 1994, aged 82, to find her home and plantation ruined. She then decided to open her doors to genocide orphans and developed Imbabazi Orphanage. Due to security reasons the Orphanage has had to move locations 4 times, but is now settled in Gisenyi. The flower plantation is still running and provides fresh produce for the orphanage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Travel Advice” tab_id=”41d9b-3e263c02-5dab”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Getting Visa to Rwanda” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%230a0a0a” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Visit the Rwanda Directorate general of Immigration and Emigration : https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=28 which takes you to a visa application form which picks your personal information.

Depending on your travel plans, choose the best visa choice available;
– Single entry visa – allows entry in Rwanda alone for 30 days – 50 USD
– Transit Visa for 3 days – only you in the country for only 3 days – 50USD
– East African Tourists Visa – Allows you to cross to all East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda – 100 USD

The supporting document to attach is your tour Itinerary if traveling to visit rwanda, Invitation letter, other document with respect to your travel intentions or your flight details in PDF format. You MUST ATTACH documentation at this stage or the visa request will not be processed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Enquire” tab_id=”51d9b-3e263c02-5dab”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675339001931{background-color: #826e4b !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Contact Us to book a trip” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%230a0a0a” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”]

    [/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1675347963316{background-color: #126e0c !important;}”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lake Kivu Tours and Boat trips” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner gap=”10″][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675340174345{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2571″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/3-days-kivu-lake-adventure/”][vc_custom_heading text=”3 Days Lake Kivu & Hiking Adventure” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F3-days-kivu-lake-adventure%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675340182847{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2576″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/5-days-nyungwe-safari-and-kivu-lake-adventure/”][vc_custom_heading text=”5 Days Nyungwe & Lake Kivu Adventure” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F5-days-nyungwe-safari-and-kivu-lake-adventure%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675342064967{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2577″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/6-days-rwanda-mountains-gorillas-and-lake-kivu-adventure-6days-5nights/”][vc_custom_heading text=”6 Days Mountain Gorillas & Lake Kivu” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F6-days-rwanda-mountains-gorillas-and-lake-kivu-adventure-6days-5nights%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner gap=”10″][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675340174345{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2579″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/7-days-wildlife-gorillas-and-golden-monkeys-and-cultural-tours-in-rwanda/”][vc_custom_heading text=”7 Days Best of Rwanda Safari” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F7-days-wildlife-gorillas-and-golden-monkeys-and-cultural-tours-in-rwanda%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675340182847{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2580″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/9-days-best-of-rwandathe-full-works-on-a-shoestring/”][vc_custom_heading text=”9 Days Best of Rwanda” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F9-days-best-of-rwandathe-full-works-on-a-shoestring%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675342055039{background-color: #ffffff !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”2581″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://universalventuresrwanda.com/15-days-best-of-rwanda-gorilla-chimpanzee-wildlife-hiking-tour/”][vc_custom_heading text=”15 Days Best of Rwanda” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Funiversalventuresrwanda.com%2F15-days-best-of-rwanda-gorilla-chimpanzee-wildlife-hiking-tour%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1675342114421{background-color: #705930 !important;}”][vc_column_text]

    Contact us for tours to Lake Kivu

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      YC K
      YC K
      2022-12-11
      So fantastic journey. We've used a Toyota Land-cruiser Prado with open roof. We had a very good experience with very kind and experienced guide. He knows the Akagera NP condition, geography and historic, so we've been heard that very abundant information from the guide, Bosco.He's very kind and provided well service during the journey.Additionally, the total price including the fuel, car and driver(without extra guide) were somehow reasonable. We didn't hire an extra guide because Bosco, the driver, had many experiences as Akagra NP guide.But I suggest the owner of this company that has to listen carefully voices of customers.
      Andre M
      Andre M
      2022-12-02
      Gorillas at Volcanoes Simply a spectacular day that will always be one of lifes highlights. Beautiful scenery, amazing experience with education and excitement. Gorilla Trekking is an absolute must do.
      Peter F
      Peter F
      2022-11-25
      A great way to see Kigali. An excellent way to see the key landmarks in Kigali. We had a knowledgable guide, and excellent driver.Not cheap, but well worth the expense.
      Annie
      Annie
      2022-11-22
      Leie av bil Vi leide to 4x4 - biler i 17 dager. Emmanuel møtte oss ved flyplassen og vi inspiserte bilene. Vi gikk gjennom kontrakten sammen og betalte med bankkort. Det var noen småting med bilene, men de fungerte godt. Vi hadde også et lite uhell med den ene bilen, men det ble ordnet av selskapets mekaniker, og løst på en god måte. Emmanuel var lett å komme i kontakt med, og vi opplever at kontrakten ble holdt fra begge sider. Vi betalte 90 USD per bil, per døgn, noe som er samme pris som vi har leid for tidligere. Bilene var også av en bedre kvalitet enn vi har opplevd tidligere. Jeg kan anbefale å bruke dette firmaet da de virker seriøse og ordentlige.
      Gallivanting Wellness
      Gallivanting Wellness
      2022-10-11
      A thorough tour, that's not rushed I truly enjoyed my experience with John and Scovia. John was the lead guide and so knowledgeable about his homeland and just an awesome personality. He answered my questions and was always willing to help with pictures. This tour did not feel like a school field trip. It felt like I was taking a walk with friends and learning during the walk. I would definitely book my future tours with Universal. Oh and for lunch a buffet is included, which is a nice touch for a hungry traveler.
      Willie P
      Willie P
      2022-10-04
      Cost, reasonable. Value, priceless! It was an incredible day! My guide, John Bosco, was knowledgeable, engaging, and accommodating to my every interest and need. I found the tour to be worth the money, and gave me an experience that I couldn’t have had otherwise.
      Aleksandrs V
      Aleksandrs V
      2022-09-17
      Best experience to do at least once a life + great service with knowledgeable guide driver Boska & his clean 4x4 Toyota Nice service, pick up by your guide driver with 4x4 car from your house door and approx 2 hours driving to the National park with stop at coffee shop / souvenir shop where u can enjoy amazing coffee and purchase it, as well as to buy some crafted products. National park and Safari itself is amazing experience you have to do at least once in a life. Our guide Boska very knowledgeable, he explained different types of fauna flora , and described behavior of animals. He knows not only about his country but also aware about other countries. He is super nice guide and if he will guide you be sure your trip will be unforgettable.
      Jasna V
      Jasna V
      2021-07-31
      Perfect service Emmanuel made sure we arrived safely at the hotel, and back to the airport. Great service, very flexible, friendly and he has done so much more to help us with the covid measures (and having the result in time!). He keeps in touch with you and makes you feel relaxed
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