Sit back and imagine how the world would be without the beautiful beaches, places to refresh, chill and meditate on our success and kill off stress. A minute by the calm waters of Lake Kivu in Rwanda is an amazing and unforgettable offer.
Group fun, relaxation and refreshment is the ultimate experience offered in Lake Kivu after a back to back tiresome gorilla trekking expedition in Volcanoes national park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, golden monkey tracking, hiking, city tour or recovering from a hectic week.
In 1894, A German named Adolf von Gotten visited this amazing lake which ranks as Africa’s sixth largest and Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake, situated in the western part of Rwanda and bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is wonderfully positioned few kilometers from Volcanoes National park, home to the Golden monkeys and endangered Mountain Gorillas, as well as Nyungwe national park, a residence to the elusive chimpanzees
As you drive to Lake Kivu that lies in a very calm environment, surrounded by rolling hills, plantations and islands, with several bird species, your eyes will have a lot of work to do, since, at every bend of a vehicle, magnificent views of rare tree species, scattered homesteads, and locals filled with smiles and chanting with the phrase “Muzungu” meaning a “white person” in Kiswahili keeps you amazed.
Your hands won’t rest but rather wave at the happy citizens. The notable areas around the lake are Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye towns.
For researchers, Students, corporate organizations, honeymooners, residents, families, churches, and primate trackers among others, Lake Kivu is the place to be, with all activities that best suits your interest, cool climate, amazing beaches, modern accommodations, professional guides, and a calm white sand beach.
Let’s say it’s a group of 5-20 members, from either different places or the same place, heading for a weekend, retreat, meeting, relaxing from primate trekking, adventure or a date, the cost will be reduced since most of the service providers tend to give discounts, you will maximize fun and tighten the group bond. No one is left behind in this course, both those who love socializing and the unsocial type.
Why Visit Lake Kivu?
There are several activities in and around the lake that best suits every traveler of whatever age group and health condition. The place is noise-free, with classic accommodation facilities, nice cuisine and fascinating beaches among others. It only takes two to three hours to drive from Kigali City to L. Kivu.
When to visit Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu is open to visitors all year round, with the beaches having drinks, food and several leisure activities. However, we do advise that the best time should be during the dry season, December to February or June to early September, when the water is clear and at the right level, no fear of sudden rain and the sand is dry among other factors.
WHAT TO DO IN LAKE KIVU ON A GROUP TOUR?
Swimming
There is no better way of enjoying Lake Kivu like diving into its freshwater and swimming. No fears of Bilharzias’, hippos, crocodiles, or anything that can attack you. The swimming can last for one to three hours, and the rest of the evening chilling with your drink and a plate of eatables
Water sports
There are several water sporting activities one can engage in while at this place both the lazy and the active have one or more water sporting activities to engage in, beach soccer, such as windsurfing, sport fishing, kayaking, motorboats, and many others. There are many instructors to assist your group where need be
Boat Cruises
You can engage in a boat cruise around the lake, where an experienced guide will take you around the lake, watching the different islands surrounding the lake, Birds enjoying their stay at the lake shores, the locals fishing, fetching water, and doing several activities by the lake shores.
Birding and Nature walks
Engage in a birding exercise as well as a nature walk, where you have the opportunity of sighting rare bird species in the area, such as the multicolored kingfisher which is the largest bird in the world that can drift without being boosted by the wind.
Agro-tourism
This is done in a coffee plantation in Gisenyi, where you visit local plantations to learn more about coffee farming and processing, plus tasting its product (coffee tea). Also, you can visit Rwanda’s islands enclosed with natural woodland in the Karongi area.
Choosing accommodation around Lake Kivu?
Accommodations at Lake Kivu range from low budget to high end class, with exquisite facilities that best suit all visitors’ tastes and preferences. Depending on one’s budget, you might choose a resort overlooking the lake so that you enjoy the cold breeze right from the lake, or watch the sunrise and sunset.
Camping options can also work as the group can choose to spend their night on the secure campsites erected for visitors who love watching what the night brings.
Joining a group to visit Lake Kivu.
Different colors, cultures, tribes, origins, continents and languages out for the same mission, is what we strive for. We bring together people of the same taste and preference after a comprehensive research and consultations; this is because we understand the sweet memories got after a successful group tour, as well as the outcome of a conflicting group.
Group tours are meant not only to reduce costs but also to create new friends, business partners and combined fun.
In conclusion, Lake Kivu group safari is the best way to wind up your group safari, chill with friends, end the week, kill stress and explore new life.
