The lakeside

Lake Kivu safaris

Rwanda’s great inland sea: island hopping by wooden boat, coffee at the water’s edge, and some of the most laid-back lodges in the country. A perfect post-trek unwind.

Good to know

Best: year-round · 3 hrs from Kigali

Visiting Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu lies along Rwanda's western border, framed by green hills. Its quiet lakeside towns, Gisenyi (Rubavu), Kibuye (Karongi) and Cyangugu (Rusizi), make a relaxing break between gorilla trekking and forest walks.

What to do

Kayaking, boat trips to islands, coffee farm visits, cycling along the Congo Nile Trail and simply resting by the water are the main pleasures. Sunsets over the lake are a highlight.

How to combine it

Gisenyi is close to Volcanoes National Park, so it is a natural rest stop after gorilla trekking. Kibuye and Cyangugu sit closer to Nyungwe, so a drive along the lake links the gorillas in the north with chimpanzees in the south.

Ask us to add one or two nights on Lake Kivu to your Rwanda safari.

Tours to Lake Kivu

Safaris that visit Lake Kivu

All safaris

6-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Chimpanzee Safari

6 Days / 5 Nights

$7,200 / personPrivate · from, per person, US$, estimate, subject to availabilityView itinerary

Lake Kivu is ready when you are.

Tell us your dates and what’s on the list, and we’ll route it for you.

Plan a Lake Kivu Safari

Entry requirements: Kenya eTA and Tanzania inbound insurance

Kenya. Most visitors, including children, need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before they fly. Citizens of most African countries and some other travellers are exempt; the official site has the list. Apply only on the official site as soon as your flights are confirmed. Standard processing is normally about three working days but can take longer and approval is not guaranteed, so allow at least a week; an expedited option is available at extra cost.

Tanzania and Zanzibar. Since 1 October 2026 foreign visitors must hold the government inbound travel insurance (USD 44 per adult, valid up to 92 days), bought from NIC if you first arrive on the mainland or from ZIC if you first arrive in Zanzibar. One policy covers the whole country, and your own travel insurance does not replace it. Residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt on the mainland. A visa or e-visa is still required for most nationalities.

Who needs a Kenya eTA Apply for a Kenya eTA Tanzania mainland insurance (NIC) Zanzibar insurance (ZIC)

Guidance checked against the official sites on 29 October 2026. Entry rules change; confirm on the official sites before you travel.

All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.