National parkWestern Province
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Rwanda's newest park: restored forest, chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
Lake and lakeside towns
Lake Kivu
Beaches, islands and the Congo Nile Trail on a Great Rift lake.
- Western Province
- Best: Jun–Sep
Overview
- Rwandan towns
- Rubavu, Karongi, Rusizi
- Lake system
- Albertine Rift; drains to Lake Tanganyika
- Route
- Congo Nile Trail, Rubavu to Rusizi
- From Kigali
- About 3 hours to Rubavu or Karongi
Lake Kivu lies in the Albertine Rift on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo, and drains south into Lake Tanganyika through the Ruzizi River. Rwanda's shore is steep and green, with terraced hills, bays and islands.
Rubavu (Gisenyi) in the north has sandy beaches and lakeside hotels next to the Congolese city of Goma. Karongi (Kibuye) in the middle is quieter, with island boat trips, kayaking and views over a maze of bays.
The Congo Nile Trail follows the shore from Rubavu to Rusizi and can be hiked, cycled or driven over several days, passing coffee farms, fishing villages and tea estates.
- Beaches at Rubavu
Sandy public beaches and lakeside cafés in the north.
- Islands off Karongi
Boat trips to Napoleon's Island, Amahoro Island and others.
- Congo Nile Trail
Hike or cycle the lakeshore through coffee and tea country.
Things to do
- Boat and island trips
Hire boats from Rubavu or Karongi.
- Kayaking
Guided paddles in the bays around Karongi.
- Cycling the Congo Nile Trail
Day rides or multi-day trips with support.
- Coffee tours
Washing stations and farms along the shore.
When to go
June to September and December to February bring the clearest skies for beaches and hiking. The lake is pleasant all year.
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Costs
There is no entry fee for the lakeshore. Boat trips, kayaking and bike hire are priced by local operators, so agree the price before you set off.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KigaliAbout 3 hours
To Rubavu via Musanze, or to Karongi via Muhanga.
- By roadFrom Volcanoes National ParkAbout 1.5 hours
Kinigi to Rubavu, a common add-on after gorilla trekking.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Rubavu borders Goma in DR Congo. The border crossings between Rwanda and DRC can close at short notice.
- The UK advises against all but essential travel within 10 km of the DRC border in Rusizi District, including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport. Check official advice before you book.
- Wear a life jacket on boat trips and use licensed boat operators.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Rubavu or Karongi?
Rubavu has sandy beaches and more hotels and nightlife; Karongi is quieter, with island boat trips and views. Both are about three hours from Kigali.
Is it safe to visit Lake Kivu?
Rubavu and Karongi are popular with visitors. The UK advises against all but essential travel within 10 km of the DRC border in Rusizi District, including the Rwandan islands in the lake. Check current advice before you book.
Sources
Checked on 25 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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