Settled along the western reaches of Rwanda, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and offers a range of exciting activities, luxurious houseboats and expansive views.

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A great addition to a gorilla trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park or a visit to the ancient depths of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu is a perfect stop to recoup and relax on your safari. There are no dangerous animals such as crocodiles and hippos in the lake, so visitors can enjoy outings on canoes, go swimming or take boat tours to explore its vast expanses – along with its various attractions just off its sandy beaches.

Gisenyi and Kibuye are particularly interesting towns that are also home to tea estates and coffee washing stations, with the option to sample world-class coffee and tea against a breathtaking backdrop.

Lake Kivu offers a range of authentic accommodations as well as a chance to stay on the lake in a luxury houseboat, so you can sit and enjoy the view with a G&T in hand.

Our Top Experiences In Lake Kivu

Best Time To Visit Lake Kivu

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The Dry Season

June to September
During Rwanda’s subtropical highland climate, Lake Kivu enjoys the extended dry season from June to September. This period offers the best conditions for visiting, with pleasant and mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for combining a trip to the lake with gorilla trekking and safaris.

January
January is the shorter dry season, characterised by mild temperatures. This month provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and gorilla trekking around Lake Kivu.

The Green Season

February to May
From February to May, the long rainy season, known as “Itumba”, brings the heaviest rainfall. Expect daily rain, ranging from light showers to heavy downpours. The Lake Kivu region and Bugarama plains experience increased humidity and overcast skies. The hot and humid conditions, along with substantial rainfall, can make some areas more challenging to access.

October to December
The short rainy season, called “Umuhindo”, occurs between October and December. This period features less overall rainfall but still includes daily precipitation, from downpours to sporadic showers. Increased humidity and overcast skies are common. Despite the rain, this season is still a good time to visit Lake Kivu and enjoy bird watching.

Courtney

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