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Volcanoes National Park Nyungwe National Park Akagera National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mgahinga Gorilla National ParkLake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, ringed by terraced hills and small fishing communities. Sea kayaking here ranges from a two-hour sunset paddle out to hear the local fishermen singing as they cast their nets, to multi-day expeditions stopping overnight on coffee-growing islands.
We arrange kayaking as a relaxed counterpoint to gorilla trekking — typically added at the start or end of a Rwanda itinerary, based from a lakeside lodge near Rubavu or Kibuye.
GOOD TO KNOW
Early morning or late afternoon for calm water and the best light.
Rubavu and Kibuye are the two main lakeside bases with operators and equipment.
The Congo Nile Trail, or as a relaxed close to a Volcanoes National Park itinerary.
THE LAKE
Lake Kivu runs for close to 90km along Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is deep — over 450m at its deepest point. Its shoreline is broken into bays, peninsulas and small islands, which is exactly what makes it good for kayaking: calm, sheltered water close to shore, with somewhere new to land every hour.
The classic short paddle goes out in the late afternoon to meet the fishing boats. Kivu’s fishermen work at night in long three-hulled boats, singing to keep their rhythm as they row out — a sound most visitors remember long after the trip. On longer trips, the route links island stops, coffee-growing hillsides of the Kivu Belt and lakeside villages, with nights in guesthouses or lodges along the shore.
We usually place a Kivu stay after the gorilla trek rather than before. After early starts in Volcanoes National Park, two slow days on the lake are the natural end to a Rwanda itinerary, and Rubavu is under two hours’ drive from Musanze.
Is Lake Kivu safe for swimming?
Kivu is widely regarded as one of the region’s safer lakes for swimming, and guests swim from the lodge shores at Rubavu and Kibuye. Your guide will advise on specific spots.
Do we need kayaking experience?
Not for the short excursions — stable sit-on or touring kayaks are used, with a guide alongside. Multi-day trips suit people comfortable paddling for several hours a day.
Rubavu or Kibuye?
Rubavu, in the north, is closest to Volcanoes National Park and has the most operators. Kibuye (Karongi), further south, is quieter, with more islands close to shore.
What should we bring?
Sun protection, a hat, quick-dry clothing and a dry bag for phones and cameras. Life jackets and paddling equipment are provided.
Tell us your dates and group size. We respond with a bespoke proposal within 48 hours.
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