The vast, shimmering Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s many attractive lakes. It is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is the deepest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Kivu is located in the west of Rwanda on a rift valley and is surrounded by steep terraced slopes and the picturesque mountain scenery of the Virungas. Numerous lakeside resort towns are developing around its shores.

The town of Gisenyi is on Lake Kivu’s northern shore which has the best, largest sandy beaches. The area has a growing focus on tourism with many leisure activities available. Visitors can enjoy many water-based pursuits from the hotels such as catamarans, kayaking and windsurfing and there are no crocodiles or hippos so swimming is safe. Organised boat excursions offer a pleasant way to spend some time relaxing on the water, and these also give visitors an insight into rural life in the villages at the lake’s edge.

Gisenyi is a pleasant and convenient point from which to access the Park National des Volcans for the scenic trekking safaris to see the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Hotels in Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

This superior western-style hotel is set on Lake Kivu’s northern shore near Gisenyi with a private sandy beach and a broad range of activities and facilities…….. read more

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