LAKE KIVU – Lake Kivu is located in Central-East Africa at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the floor of the Great East African Rift Valley. 58% of the total waters of Lake Kivu lie in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the remaining 42% lie in Rwanda.
The lake is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, covering an area of 2,700 km², and is Africa’s 8th largest African Great Lake.
Interesting Facts and Details About Lake Kivu
- Lake Kivu is shared by two Central-East African countries: it is located in the western part of Rwanda and in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the largest part of the lake, approximately 1,370 km², lying in Congo.
- With a mean depth of 722 ft (220 m) and a maximum depth of 1,558 ft (475 m), Lake Kivu is Africa’s 3rd deepest Great Lake and the 20th deepest lake in the world by its maximum depth.
- Lake Kivu stands at an elevation of 1,460 m (4,790 ft) above sea level, making it the highest standing African Great Lake.
- Lake Kivu is 50 km wide at its widest point and about 42 km in length.
- Lake Kivu is said to contain about 55 billion cubic meters of methane gas (CH4).
- About 250 islands are found in Lake Kivu. 194 islands are found on the Congo side of the lake, and 56 islands are found on the Rwanda side of the lake.
- Idjwi Island, the largest island in Lake Kivu, is the 10th largest inland island in the world in a lake and the 2nd largest island in Africa.
- Lake Kivu is home to approximately 28 different species of fish, about half of which are cichlids, and the lake also harbors 4 different crab species.
- Notable towns along Lake Kivu include Rubavu, Karongi, Rusizi, Kibuye, Bukavu, and Goma.
Islands on Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu has numerous islands spread throughout the lake, including the world’s 10th largest island in a lake, Idjwi Island. The best islands to visit in Lake Kivu during your Rwanda or DR Congo visit are:
On the DR Congo Side:
- Idjwi Island, the largest in Lake Kivu
- Goma Island
- Bubare Island
- Bukavu Island
- Sake Island
- Kabehe Island
On the Rwanda Side:
- Amahoro Island
- Napoleon Island
- Amizero Island
- Iwawa Island
Activities On and Around Lake Kivu
Visitors to Lake Kivu can explore the lake and areas around it by taking part in various activities. Some of these include:
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- Boat cruises
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Swimming; the freshwaters of Lake Kivu are free from large Nile crocodiles and hippos, making it safe to take a plunge on a hot day.
- Hiking expeditions
- Guided island tours
The close proximity of Lake Kivu to top tourist destinations in both Rwanda and DR Congo adds to the list of activities, offering tourists a wide range of options for unforgettable Rwanda safaris. These destinations include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Guided nature and forest walks
- Hiking expeditions
- Bird-watching safaris
- Camping
- Local community cultural tours
Where to Stay During Your Lake Kivu Visit
There are a number of accommodation facilities along the shores of Lake Kivu and in close proximity to the lake that tourists can choose from, with different categories ranging from pocket-friendly lodges and campsites to high-end hotels and resorts.
Some of these include Kivu Paradise Resort, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, and Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel.
The best time to visit Lake Kivu is during the dry season. Tourists can easily get to Lake Kivu by both road and air transport, either from Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
