Lake Kivu is located on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It is one of the Great Lakes of Africa, lying at 1,460 meters above sea level. The lake covers an area of 2,700 square kilometers and has an average depth of 220 meters. It is 50 kilometers wide and 90 kilometers long.
Count Adolf Von Gotzen from Germany was the first European explorer to visit Lake Kivu in 1894. It was recently discovered that the lake contains 55 billion cubic meters of dissolved biogas at a depth of 300 meters. Lake Kivu flows into the Ruzizi River, and 58% of its water lies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lake Kivu has several islands, and the largest is Idjwi. It is the 6th largest lake in Africa and is known for its beautiful islands.
Activities Near Lake Kivu
- Historical Places: There are several historical places to visit around Lake Kivu. For example, the Kibuye Genocide Memorial Church is located on top of a hill overlooking the lake. At this church, you can learn about Rwanda’s history, especially the 1994 genocide.
- Boat Rides: You can take a local boat to visit nearby islands. For instance, Amahoro Island, also known as One Bar Island, and Napoleon Island, famous for its fruit bats, are popular options. Other islands have unique features, and you can choose which one to explore.
- Relax and Sunbathe at the Beach: Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake and is free from bilharzia. There are several beaches along its shores, and some hotels have private beaches where you can relax and enjoy the African sun.
- Water Sports: Lake Kivu offers various water sports, including paddling, windsurfing, kayaking, and more.
- Fishing: Although Lake Kivu has volcanic substances, only 28 fish species have been recorded. You can enjoy sport fishing at the lake and later have the fish you catch for lunch or a delicious dinner.
- Biking: There is a newly developed biking trail called the Nile-Congo Trail, which allows for multi-day biking adventures. There are also shorter trails for rides lasting a few hours or a day. The hills around Lake Kivu make it a great destination for bikers to explore the countryside.
- Coffee Tour: Coffee is grown abundantly around Lake Kivu. The best place to learn the process of coffee making, from the garden to the cup, is Nyamirundi Island, located in Lake Kivu.
