Lake Kivu South
LAKE KIVU, ONE OF GREATEST LAKES OF EAST AFRICA
Lake Kivu South Overview
Lying along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a scenic Lake Kivu South. Lake Kivu is one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes and lies West of Rwanda with spectacular surrounding mountains. Lake Kivu features a surface area coverage of 2700 sq. km.
The Southern section of Lake Kivu is where Cyangugu/Shangugu, a city and capital of Rusizi District, Western Province of Rwanda. Cyangugu is set right on the Southern edge of Lake Kivu, also a contiguous point with Bukavu, the D.R. Congo and only divided by River Ruzizi. The river frontier is crossed by 2 (two) bridges and a dam.
The Southern section of Lake Kivu is comprised of 2 major settlement areas; Cyangugu which is low densely populated and Kamembe also renowned as an industrial and transport hub. There is Kamembe Airport that serves Cyangugu and each week, flights are conducted to Kigali about 11 times.
Cyangugu and Lake Kivu are situated not far from Nyungwe Forest National Park, the premier chimpanzee trekking location in Rwanda. Cyangugu is the southernmost port of Lake Kivu.
ACCESSING THE SOUTHERN LAKE KIVU
Cyangugu is the Southern section of Lake Kivu ports and is accessible by road. From Bukavu, drive for 1 hour’ drive and from Kigali, 2-3 hours.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE ON CYANGUGU - LAKE KIVU EXPEDITION
Lake Kivu is a spectacular water body and a boat ride is by far, a perfect way to explore it. On a boat ride excursion, head to the Gihaya and Nkombo Islands to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surroundings.
Be part of the exciting water sports, especially on Lake Kivu shoreline and include paddling, water skiing, fishing, windsurfing, swimming and others.
Embark on a foot-walk experience to River Rusizi and surrounding areas. Around Nyungwe, there are multiple hiking options on the trails such as Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail Igishigishigi, Karamba Birding Trail, Ngabwe, Irebero Trail, Rukuzi, Umoyove and others.
Lake Kivu is situated very close to the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park, an endowed primate paradise. 13 primate species live in this park including 500 chimpanzees. Ideal locations for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Cyamudongo and Uwinka areas.
You can enjoy bird sights on Lake Kivu and also during the independent bird-watching excursion in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park holds more than 310 bird species including the yellow-eyed black flycatchers, Chapin’s flycatchers, white-tailed flycatchers, Rwenzori turacos, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Congo bay owlet, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori hill babblers and more.
Over 400 colobus monkeys exist in the Nyungwe Forest and you can spend a good time searching for some of the habituated troops. The colobus monkey trek allows you to search for black and white colobus, plus other monkey species like baboons, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, and many others.
With the company of an experienced guide, set off on a 2 or less/more hour walk starting from Uwinka as you conquer the Igishigishigi trail. Explore the wonders of Nyungwe on a 200m long walkway, suspended about 60m from the forest floor.
The ideal places to consider for a night stay include Rushel Kivu Lodge, Paradise Malahide, Kivu Paradis Resort and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
