Casa » Destinazioni » Lago Kivu: il più grande lago d’acqua dolce del Ruanda
Testimone del mondo
Jun-Sept
4-5 days
Napoleaon Island, Singing fishermen at Dusk, Rubavu Volcanic Panoramas
329 Km2
Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi & Rusizi
Couples and Honey mooners
In the heart of East Africa, there lies a small, beautiful, and clean country known as Rwanda. It is a land of a thousand hills; Lago Kivu, a natural beauty, stands as a shining jewel of both serenity and geological wonder. Its serene waters stretch across the western border of Rwanda while mirroring the blue skyline above and cradling a glance that intertwines beauty, danger, and a unique connection to Earth’s restless depths.
As the largest lake in Rwanda and sixth largest in the whole of Africa, Lake Kivu is more than just a catchment of water; it is a natural testament to the complex interplay between the forces of nature and the originality of humankind. It portrays something very unique; being the biggest freshwater lake and the biggest in Rwanda, it gives a clear picture of the natural beauty
Il Lago Kivu è un enorme lago d'acqua dolce situato lungo il confine tra Ruanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is 89 kilometres in length and 48 kilometres wide, covering a surface area of 2,700 km squared at an average depth of 240m with a maximum depth of 480 metres, a water volume of 500 km³, and a surface elevation of 1,460 metres. Lake Kivu also stores huge quantities of methane gas that Rwanda is extracting to produce electricity.
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes and is in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. In the early centuries, Lake Kivu drained toward the north, contributing to the White Nile. And about 13,000 to 9,000 years ago, volcanic activity blocked Lake Kivu’s outlet to the watershed of the Nile. The volcanism produced mountains, including the Virunga, which rose between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward, to the north.
L'acqua del lago Kivu venne poi spinta a sud lungo il Ruzizi. Ciò, a sua volta, innalzò il livello del Lago Tanganica, che straripò lungo il fiume Lukuga.
It has recently been discovered that Lake Kivu contains approximately 55 billion m3 of dissolved biogas (Methane)at a depth of 300 metres. Until 2004, the gas was extracted on a small scale and used to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi. As far as large-scale exploitation of this resource is concerned, the Rwandan government has negotiated with a number of parties to produce methane from the lake.
The breathtaking Lake Kivu in Rwanda harbours various aquatic species, such as the Ripon Barb, East African red-finned barb, red-spotted barb, Pellegrin’s barb, and catfish. Lago Kivu also contains tilapia species such as the Nile tilapia, red-breast tilapia, long-fin tilapia, Blue-spotted tilapia, and the Lake Tanganyika sardine, which was recently introduced into the lake.
Il Lago Kivu è un birdwatcher with its diverse ecosystem, inhabited by over 400 bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching. From the graceful African fish eagle to colourful sunbirds and elusive shoebills, the region is a bird paradise.
The shores of Lago Kivu provide a perfect ground and backdrop for relaxation and calmness. Various resorts are situated along the coastline, offering awe-inspiring views of the lake and the surrounding vast landscapes, such as hills. Here, you can unwind, savor local cuisine, and indulge in spa treatments while soaking in the soothing atmosphere of the lake.
Per gli appassionati di avventura, il Lago Kivu ne ha numerosi water-based activities such as Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding allow you to glide across the calm waters while taking in breathtaking views, while Jet skiing and speedboat rides provide an adrenaline rush, creating memorable experiences for water sports lovers.
Le comunità locali lungo e attorno al Lago Kivu sono ricche di diversità e patrimonio culturale. Partecipa a interazioni autentiche con la popolazione locale, acquisendo informazioni sul loro modo di vivere, tradizioni e abilità artistica. Visita anche i vivaci mercati locali, dove potrai acquistare souvenir artigianali e immergerti nei colori e nei sapori vibranti della cultura dell'Africa orientale.
Le maestose vaste colline che circondano il Lago Kivu offrono eccellenti opportunità per escursioni e trekking. I sentieri attraversano foreste lussureggianti, offrendo scorci di fauna selvatica e specie di uccelli. Una delle escursioni degne di nota è il Congo Nile Trail, che si estende lungo il bordo del lago e offre viste accattivanti ad ogni curva.
L'attività geotermica nel Lago Kivu ha portato all'aumento del sorgenti termali naturali. Queste sorgenti terapeutiche offrono un modo unico per rilassarsi e ringiovanire. Gisenyi, una cittadina sulla sponda del lago, è famosa per le sue sorgenti termali in riva al lago, dove è possibile immergersi in acque calde ricche di minerali in uno scenario mozzafiato.
Il Lago Kivu ospita numerose isole che contribuiscono a creare l'atmosfera della regione. L'isola Idjwi è il Kivu
Il lago Kivu è un birdwatching
Il lago Kivu si trova a circa 100 km dalla capitale del paese, Kigali. L'accesso al lago è possibile su strada utilizzando mezzi pubblici o privati. La durata del viaggio, tuttavia, dipende dalla città che stai visitando. Da Kigali a Gisenyi ci vogliono 3 ore, da Kigali a Kibuye ci vogliono 3 ore, da Kigali a Cyangugu via Kibuye ci vogliono 6 ore, da Kigali a Cyangugu via Butare ci vogliono 6 ore.
Insomma, Lago Kivu ha il suo fascino unico, offrendo una miscela di relax, avventura, cultura e bellezza naturale. Che tu stia cercando un tranquillo rifugio in riva al lago, un'esperienza culturale coinvolgente o avventure all'aria aperta da cardiopalma. Esplora il Ruanda con Safari amichevoli tra i gorilla.
Napoleaon Island, Singing fishermen at Dusk, Rubavu Volcanic Panoramas
Jun-Sept
Fauna selvatica, paesaggi fluviali e safari
Kayaking, Boat Cruise & Coffee plantation walking tours
By road where you move from kigali airport to the Rubavu that takes roughhly 3 hours & central town of Karongi takes 3 hours & the Rusizi town takes almost 5-6 hours
Inzu Lodge (Budget), Inn on the Lodge (Standard), Cormoran Lodge (Luxury)
The lake is called a killer lake because it has deep layers of the lake that hold massive trapped reserves of dissolved methane and carbon dioxide gases due to underlying volcanic activity. While a catastrophic sudden release or eruption, it is possible given its geology, no such event has ever occurred in recorded history; scientists monitor the gases closely, and the surface layers remain completely stable for regular activities. It is therefore advisable not to play around this lake.
Yes, definitely, swimming in this lake is generally safe. The deep, clear waters are free of dangerous large animals like crocodiles and hippos, and there is no risk of bilharzia. Always stick to designated local swimming areas in towns like Gisenyi and Kibuye. This is the largest freshwater lake in Rwanda, and it has large amounts of water; it is also the sixth-largest water body in Africa.
Yes, the gas is very important and very useful. Rwanda successfully extracts dissolved methane from the deep water through commercial initiatives like the KivuWatt project to generate clean electricity. This methane gas is used in different industries and companies to manufacture different products that include alcoholic drinks and other products.
The area has several activities surrounding it, and these activities attract very large numbers of people across the whole world; these activities include Water sports like Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Boating is also present, with scenic boat cruises between the small, hilly islands. There is always relaxation in enjoying the sandy inland beaches and peaceful lakeside resorts that are located on different parts and different angles of the Lake.
Nessuna sorpresa. Il tuo preventivo spiega l'alloggio, i permessi, le tariffe del parco, il trasporto, i pasti e le esclusioni prima della prenotazione.
Il tuo viaggio supporta aree protette, guide locali, facchini, lodge e comunità legate al turismo naturalistico.
Lavoriamo solo con guide esperte che apprezzano la fauna selvatica, la sicurezza, l'ospitalità e le esperienze significative degli ospiti.
Riceverai supporto personale dall'inizio alla fine. Prima dell'arrivo e assistenza affidabile durante il tuo safari.
Dopo la prenotazione, nessun cambiamento sorprendente. I tuoi tour partono quando, come e dallo stesso luogo che abbiamo menzionato.
Tutti i nostri safari sono rigorosamente progettati in base ai tuoi interessi, le date di viaggio, il livello di comfort e il budget modellano ogni itinerario.
Tell us when you would like to travel, how many people are joining you and what you want to experience. We will help you build a private safari around your destination, accommodation preferences and available time.
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Campo dei gorilla di Buhoma,

