Lake Kivu is found at the boarder of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda and it’s one of the Great lakes in Africa lying on 1,460 meters above sea level occupying 2700 kilometers squared with an average depth of 220 meters. The lake is 50 kilometers wide and 90 kilometers long.
Count Adolf Von Gotzen from Germany was the first Europeans explorer to visit Lake Kivu in 1894, it was recently discovered that the lake contains 55billion m3 of dissolved biogas at 300 meters depth. Lake Kivu empties to Ruzizi river and 58% of the lakes water lie in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Kivu contains several islands and the largest is Idjwi, Lake Kivu is the 6th largest lake in Africa with several islands
Activities near Lake Kivu
Historical places
There are several historical places you can visit around lake Kivu for example Kibuye genocide memorial church on top of a hill overlooking lake Kivu. Here at the church you will get insights to the history of Rwanda especially about the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
Boat rides
You can take a local boat to the nearby islands while at Lake Kivu for example Amahoro island also known as one bar island of Napoleon island famous for it’s fruit bats. Other islands are also unique in their own setting you can choose which island to visit.
Relax and sun bath at the beach
Lake Kivu is a fresh water lake wherefore it’s also bilharzia free, there are several beaches within the lake shores or you can use a private beach owned by some hotels to enjoy the African sun.
Water sports
There are several water sports within lake Kivu like paddling, wind surfing, Kayaking and so much more.
Fishing
Lake Kivu is reach in volcanic substances although there only 28 species of fish recorded, you can indulge in sport fishing while at lake Kivu and later enjoy the fish you caught for lunch or delicious dinner.
Biking
There is a newly developed biking trail called Nile-Congo trail that you can enjoy biking on for several days but there are also other trails that you can use for several hours or a day. Lake Kivu is perfectly located in between hills that make it a perfect destination for bikers to explore the country side.
Coffee tour
Coffee is richly grown around lake Kivu and the best place for learning the process of coffee making from garden to cup is in Nyamirundi island found in Lake Kivu.
