Lake Kivu
LAKE KIVU, ONE OF GREATEST LAKES OF EAST AFRICA
Lake Kivu Overview
LOCATION
THE SIZE
Lake Kivu covers a surface area of 2700 sq.km and has a length of 90km. It is Africa’s 6th largest lake with a depth measuring up to 220m and a length of 90km. It empties its water into River Rusizi and later flows southwards to Lake Tanganyika.
METHANE EXTRACTION
Lake Kivu features 60sq.km of methane and 300sq.km of carbon dioxide. It is known for its high concentration of methane gases and leaves a huge risk to the riparian population. The dissolved methane is of economic importance and its worth is estimated to be over 20 billion dollars. In 2004, gas extraction was conducted in the Lake and was used to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery situated in Gisenyi.
Over 28 fish species survive within Lake Kivu including 4 species of freshwater crabs. There are several fresh water crabs such as Potamonautes lirrangensis, P. bourgault e, P. idjwiensis and Potamonautes Mutandensis. The lake is home to biodiverse species and some of the highly threatened species due to deforestation along its shores.
Numerous human activities conducted around the lake leave several threats to this water body. These include soil erosion, urban waste, household wastes, improper use of agrochemicals and inadequate sewage water treatment.
Embark on a guided nature walks along the scenic beaches of Lake Kivu. Feel the cool breeze from the Lake’s waves.
Explore Nyakarundi Island while you get insight into how coffee is grown and later have a taste of locally processed coffee. Besides coffee, there are many other crops to learn about, especially banana growing. In addition, enjoy the spectacular views of the terraced gently sloping islands with vast plantations of bananas/coffee.
Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake, perfect for swimming. The Lake is free from hippos and bilharzia. It experiences cool temperatures making it an ideal place to relax after your long day adventures such as gorilla trekking.
Along the shores of Lake Kivu, there exist settlements such as Kalehe, Sake, Goma, Kabare, and Bukavu. These settlements are situated on the D.R. Congo side and on the Rwandan side; there are Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu.
Other closest areas to visit besides Lake Kivu include Nyungwe Forest National Park (NFNP). At Nyungwe Forest National Park, the interesting experiences to explore include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, forest/nature walks, bird watching and more.
Butare –a historical and cultural town where you can visit the museum. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is an ideal destination to enjoy gorilla trekking and gorilla permits are issued at USD 1500 per person.
In the far eastern province, don’t miss to visit Akagera National Park for an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience. Get a chance to see lots of savanna wildlife, especially the big five game –elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos.
