Top safari activities to do in Lake Kivu Rwanda : One of the many lakes bordering the East African Rift Valley, where the continent is gradually being torn apart by tectonic forces, is Lake Kivu, which spans the boundary between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Don’t worry, it won’t happen anytime soon because it is splitting apart at a rate of around 6 mm per year, which means we will have to wait about 10 million years for it to happen.
The Earth’s crust is stressed as a result of this movement, which sets off volcanic activity and produces hot springs under Kivu that supply hot water, carbon dioxide, and methane to the lake’s lower levels. Methane is produced as a byproduct of microorganisms using part of the CO2 and organic matter that is sinking from above to make energy. More methane than any other lake in the world is thought to be trapped in Lake Kivu’s waters, which could have catastrophic results in the future. But, if this energy source is safely tapped, it could also produce enough electricity to power Rwanda for several hundred years!
Top safari activities to do on Lake Kivu.
Because it is the biggest lake in Africa devoid of hippos and crocodiles, Lake Kivu is an excellent location for swimming safely and engaging in a range of Rwanda safari water sports.
- Kayaking and Water Sports.
Spend a few hours, a full day, or even several days kayaking the lake’s crystal-clear blue waters under the expert guidance of a highly qualified and experienced kayak leader. Take in the breathtaking scenery, meet local fishermen, visit hot springs, and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including long-tailed cormorants, flocks of pelicans, crowned cranes, tiny malachite kingfishers, and Congo clawless otters.
On the lake, paddle boarding, wind surfing, and water skiing are some more well-liked water safari activities.
- Boat Cruises.
An enjoyable and peaceful lake trip; lengthier cruises go to the Amahoro and Munini Islands; the latter is also known as Napoleon Island since it resembles the hat worn by the victorious Frenchman. You may come face to face with the island’s sizable population of fruit bats after a quick and reasonably simple ascent. Fish eagles, a large variety of water birds, and enormous African millipedes, known locally as shongololo, are also present. Sometimes, you could even happen onto a water snake, or “Inzocor.” Imagine yourself there, enjoying a glass of wine as the sun sets on a calm day spent touring the stunning Lake Kivu, should you want to go on an evening boat.
- Sport Fishing.
Lake Kivu offers excellent fishing for those who are serious about fishing. Approximately thirty different species of fish have been documented in the lake, and as a reward for your efforts, you are permitted to keep one fish. You can even bring the fish back to your accommodation, where the chef will expertly prepare and cook it so you can enjoy your catch over dinner and a glass of wine.
- Island Hopping and Coffee.
There are several islands in Lake Kivu, the largest of which being Nyamirundi Island, which is the location of a sizable coffee plantation. You may discover every step of the coffee-making process right here, from harvesting to drying and roasting, and of course, the chance to taste some really fresh, organic, and highly-regarded Rwandan coffee for yourself at the end.
Many of the lake’s deserted islands are available for overnight camping reservations in advance for anyone wishing to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lake while sleeping beneath the stars.
- Mountain Biking and Hiking.
The whole country of Rwanda offers excellent mountain biking and hiking paths. Among the most well-known is the 160-mile “bikepacker” Congo Nile Trail, which spans five days and passes through some of the most breathtaking terrain and trekking paths in Africa. Although the mountain biking and hiking paths surrounding Lake Kivu are not as extensive or as far, they pass through interesting local settlements and along the lake’s stunning shoreline, providing wonderful alternate routes for exploring the region.
- Bird watching.
With over 700 species reported throughout the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda is a feast for avian enthusiasts, and Lake Kivu is undoubtedly a safari location not to be missed if you’re hoping to tick off as many new “lifers” as you can. You can go in search of Bronzed Sunbirds, Common Waxbills, Crimson-rumped Waxbills, Bronze Manikins, Speckled Pigeons, African Fish Eagles, Spotted Cardinal Woodpeckers, African Pied Wagtails, Yellow-throated Greenbuls, Chin-spot Batis, Ashy Flycatchers, White-tailed Blue Flycatchers, and Tropical Boubou, to name a few, by going on nature walks through the surrounding forests and along the lakeshores. Make sure you have your binoculars handy to enjoy the Rwanda safari experience.
- The Singing Fishermen.
One of the favorite things to do in the area around Lake Kivu is undoubtedly this. It’s really different from the saline seadogs of the past, where you may envision people singing shanties after a few beers.
Something very unique happens on the lake’s crystal-clear, blue waters almost every evening. Hundreds of unique, hand-built, three-hulled fishing boats depart from the towns dotting the lakeshore as dusk draws near. These intriguing boats gradually take on a silhouette against the dusk sky thanks to the long poles that are tied to their bows and sterns.
Sails are not really useful in the quiet of the evening since there is very little wind. Instead, each fishing team paddles out with amazing speed and agility. They also chant in time to coordinate their paddle strokes and to support one another. They search for the deep water in small groups, casting their nets and fishing all night long a few kilometres out into the lake.
They make for an amazing sight to witness, and you can observe them comfortably from the shore from Bralirwa (7km from Gisenyi), the inlets of Kibuye, or coastal communities like Cyimbili or Kinunu. However, you are welcome to take your own kayak out onto the lake and paddle out with them. This is by far the greatest way to see the fishing boats, get a close-up look at their crews, and watch the sunset as it sets over the ocean. You can only truly observe and enjoy the fishermen’s singing up close while they are paddling.
The task of the fisherman out on the ocean is not easy. Because of Lake Kivu’s distinct physical features, which tend to restrict the amount of fish it can support, the size of the captures is often small. The fishermen work all year long, although they take a few days off around the full moon every month, as well as in September and October, to give the fish time to spawn again.
Kayaking on Lake Kivu has become a popular activity in Gisenyi and Kibuye, partly because of the sight of the fishing boats leaving for the night. Therefore, plan your vacation well and you will be rewarded with an incredible safari experience that is unmatched in Rwanda in addition to having a great time on the water.
