Lake Kivu Central
LAKE KIVU, ONE OF GREATEST LAKES OF EAST AFRICA
Lake Kivu Central Overview
Lake Kivu Central is a Great Lake located in the Albertine Rift Valley area, along the Western arm of the East African Rift. This lake dominates the border between Rwanda and D.R. Congo, covering over 2500sq.km. It is Africa’s largest lake and has a depth size measuring over 240m (average) and 485m maximum. Lake Kivu has a water volume of 560 cubic kilometres and exists in an irregular shape.
In the Southern D.R. Congo, there is Idjwi Island, also the world’s 10th biggest inland. Lake Kivu boasts of its commanding natural setting. The Central Area of Lake Kivu is largely dominated by Kibuye town. Central Lake Kivu (Kibuye) is one of the prettiest parts of the lake and comes with fantastic views of the lake and its small islands.
Aside from exploring Lake Kivu (Central), visitors on Rwanda tours also have a chance to explore in depth the area’s unique history. Kibuye is one of the places that were impacted by the 1994 Rwandan genocide and visitor in-depth exploration can be done while on a visit to Bisesero village. It is at Bisesero where you can find the genocide memorial site and the local guide will take you through what happened about 3 decades back.
Unlike other lakes, Lake Kivu is free from crocodiles and hippos making it a special and safe place to go for swimming. Other exciting activities to enjoy on the Lake Kivu tour include Kayaking, Boat rides or canoeing, Island picnic expeditions, Congo Nile trail cycling/biking excursions, beach walks, and relaxation along the shores. On a boat, keep eyes on the pelicans, malachite kingfishers and crowned cranes.
The Central Area of Lake Kivu is comprised of magical islands such as Akeza Island, Amahoro, Napoleon Island and Nyamirundi Island. If you are looking for an ideal spot for birding, then Lake Kivu Central (Kibuye) has you covered. Birds to look for include the yellow-billed kites.
4 species of barbs live in Lake Kivu including the East African red-finned barb, Ripon barb, Pellegrino’s barb, and Red-spot barb. Catfish species – Clarias and Amphibious catfish plus tilapia –blue spotted, long fin, Nile tilapia and Redbreast tilapia species. In addition, there are also freshwater crabs and others.
Visitor night stays around Kibuye, the Central area of Lake Kivu Cleo Hotel and Kivu Marina Lodge.
Kigali to Lake Kivu Central is 135km away. Kibuye lies along the lakeside of Lake Kivu, West of Kigali capital city of Rwanda. Kibuye routes are amazingly wide and free of traffic, also ideal for biking excursions.
Access to the spectacular islands of Lake Kivu is possible using a boat. From Kibuye to Gisenyi is a distance of 100km. Lake Kivu remains among the few distinct places worth visiting on Rwanda safaris.
Tours to Lake Kivu can be combined with several other experiences in other destinations in Rwanda including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
