A delightful boat cruise on the breezy Lake Kivu on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a memorable tour. Lake Kivu is a fresh water lake nestled in the Albertine Graben and among the African Great Lakes. With an approximate surface area of 2,370 square kilometers, Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and the eighth largest in Africa. Lying on an altitude of about 1,463 meters above sea level, Lake Kivu measures about 90 kilometers in length, 50 kilometers in width and about 485 meters deep. Lake Kivu also has River Rusizi as its major drainage, which runs 100 kilometers to Lake Tanganyika in the south. All these remarkable features position Lake Kivu as an ideal destination for a tranquil boat cruise tour.
How a boat cruise on Lake Kivu is done
Any boat cruise on Lake Kivu is done either in the morning or during sunset and generally starts with a session conducted by the boat crew to offer protocols about the adventure. This is done at either Rubavu or Karongi and you will be offered life jackets before getting on a motorised boat or canoe. The crew operating the boat or canoe will ensure that you cruise on the tranquil lake for 2 to 3 hours. There is plenty of excellent scenery to observe, including the sunny and lush hills. There are also a variety of bird species to spot, including the pied kingfisher, osprey, Malachite kingfisher, little bittern, Holub’s golden weaver, northern grey headed sparrow, red-necked spurfowl and purple banded sunbird.
Other tour activities at Lake Kivu
While on your exciting boat cruise on Lake Kivu, you may love to experience other equally captivating tour activities, including the following,
- A guided nature walk especially at the beach, showers, Islands and surrounding places to view the lovely scenery, take photos and enjoy the cool air from Lake Kivu.
- There is the 127-kilometer Congo Nile trail where you can engage in a hiking tour from Rubavu to Kibuye and beyond. This hiking adventure is suitable for backpackers who love adrenaline-filled adventures.
- You can go for swimming in Lake Kivu since it is free of dangerous animals like hippos and crocodiles.
- You can also relax or bask on the Lake Kivu shores as you wind down the day or feel the Rwandan heat respectively. Watch the sun go down as you sip from your glass full of sweet juice.
- You can also go for a birdwatching tour to spot both aquatic and terrestrial birds for example the osprey, spectacled weaver and the cardinal quelea.
- Explore the Islands of Lake Kivu especially a guided tour to the Napoleon Island to have a unique chance of spotting fruit bats and other wildlife.
- There is also an opportunity to participate in fishing to catch a tilapia, a Lake Rukwa minnow, an East African red-finned barb, and a barbus salmon.
Best time to go for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu
Boat cruises are readily available on Lake Kivu throughout the year. But the dry season is the perfect period to enjoy an uninterrupted boat cruising experience with comforting warm temperature conditions. The Lake Kivu area experiences a bimodal dry season during the months running from December to February and also from June to September. During this time, the weather is cool and dry and the possibilities of showers are considerably lower compared to the rainy season. The dry season also offers calm waters and clear skies for an unparalleled cruising experience. The driest months are usually June and July.
How to travel for a boat cruise on lake Kivu
To reach Lake Kivu from Kigali city, you will need to use road transport to either Gisenyi or Kibuye. The journey from Kigali to Gisenyi covers a distance of about 156 kilometers which will take 3.5 to 4 hours on your scenic journey north-westwards. From Kigali to Kibuye, you will cover 127 kilometers on a 3.5-hour drive. Visitors on a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park can also travel from Musanze to Gisenyi which is 1.5 hours drive and covers almost 61 kilometers. Though public means are available to reach Lake Kivu for a boat cruise, private means are recommended for their flexibility and comfort. At Monteero Safaris, we offer car hire services and knowledgeable driver guides to offer fun and insightful transport.
What to pack for a boat cruise on Lake Kivu
To guarantee a comfortable boat cruise on Lake Kivu, plan the tour with the following essential items to pack,
- Lightweight clothes
- Comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support
- Light rain jacket
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses and suncream to offer protection for your eyes and skin from UV rays from the sun
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect your head and ears from direct sunlight
- Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, a pair of scissors, antiseptic wipes and sterile gloves among others
- Refillable water bottle to store sufficient drinking water
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
- Backpack
- Insect repellent
- Light energy snacks