After days of trekking through dense forests and coming face-to-face with gorillas, Lake Kivu offers the perfect retreat for a more leisurely adventure. The calm waters, picturesque shorelines, and relaxing ambiance make it an ideal spot to relax and reflect on the unforgettable trekking experiences.
Day 1: Arrival at Lake Kivu (Gisenyi or Kibuye)
Arrive in either Gisenyi or Kibuye, two of the most popular towns along the lake. Depending on your starting point after the gorilla trek (Volcanoes National Park for Gisenyi or Nyungwe Forest for Kibuye), settle into your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing.
- Morning: Drive from your trekking location to Lake Kivu.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival, take some time to enjoy the calm surroundings. Gisenyi has beautiful beaches where you can walk along the shores, while Kibuye offers a more secluded and scenic escape.
- Evening: Enjoy a peaceful dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can watch the sunset over the lake while sipping on local Rwandan tea or coffee.
Day 2: Exploring the Lake
Lake Kivu is more than just a picturesque spot—there are plenty of activities to enjoy that still keep you close to nature.
- Morning: Take a boat trip on the lake. A cruise on the calm waters will give you stunning views of the green hills surrounding the lake. If you’re interested, ask your guide to stop by Napoleon Island, a peaceful spot home to colonies of fruit bats.
- Afternoon: After the boat ride, explore the town of Gisenyi, where you can visit the hot springs or check out the local markets and shops. In Kibuye, you can visit Amahoro Island, nicknamed “Peace Island,” for a quiet afternoon picnic and hike around the small island.
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant by the lake, savoring some fresh fish caught from Lake Kivu, and enjoy the cool breeze as the stars reflect on the water’s surface.
Day 3: Adventure or Relaxation
You can choose to spend this day as relaxed or adventurous as you like, depending on your energy levels.
- Option 1 (Relaxation): Start with a leisurely breakfast, then head out for a kayaking session on the lake. Paddle at your own pace, exploring the serene shores and taking in the beauty of the hills and coffee plantations in the distance. Afterward, find a quiet beach or hotel pool where you can read, nap, or simply enjoy the tranquility.
- Option 2 (Adventure): For those with some energy left, try hiking or biking along the Congo-Nile Trail. This scenic route hugs the shores of the lake and winds through coffee plantations, local villages, and lush landscapes. The trail can be done in sections, so you can choose a shorter hike or bike ride that fits your pace.
Day 4: Departure
After a peaceful time at Lake Kivu, it’s time to bid farewell and head toward your next destination.
- Morning: Enjoy your final breakfast by the lake and soak in the last views of the beautiful surroundings. Depending on your itinerary, you could depart for Kigali (around a 3-hour drive) or continue to your next destination in Rwanda or Uganda.
Leave a Reply