• Rubavu, - After breakfast, an Afri Safaris driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali for a journey to Lake Kivu. The drive covers 187 km on a paved road and takes approximately 3.5 hours at a leisurely pace. Traveling north, the route leads to the Volcanoes Mountains base town of Musanze, about 95 km away, taking around 2.5 hours.

At 10 am, upon reaching Lake Kivu, you will embark on a 2-hour boat excursion. This trip navigates around nearby islands, passes close to Rwanda’s main breweries (BRALIRWA), visits hot springs, Paradise Island, offers a distant view of the Methane Gas Plant, and showcases the stunning terraced hillsides, among other attractions.

At 12 pm, the excursion concludes at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where you will disembark and enjoy lunch while taking in the beach view.

At 2 pm, after lunch at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, you will return to Kigali, with an optional stop for souvenir shopping on the way back to the city.

• Karongi - After being picked up in Kigali, you will be transferred to Karongi. In Karongi, your visit can include a boat cruise to explore some of the lake’s islands, observe the local fruit bat population, and enjoy the tranquility. A boat ride on Lake Kivu provides an opportunity to see a variety of birdlife and animals like monkeys and otters along the lakeshore. The Lake Kivu region hosts over 400 bird species, from small passerines to large waterfowl. Common species include white-breasted cormorants, pied kingfishers, pelicans, crowned cranes, malachite kingfishers, and ospreys. A short hike to Napoleon Island is also included to see a large bat colony and search for giant African millipedes, water snakes, eagles, and a wide variety of water birds. This exciting private tour includes lunch and is led by an English-speaking guide. You will travel in a 4x4 safari vehicle, enjoying the scenic Rwandan countryside as you journey from Kigali to Lake Kivu and back.

• Hot lunch of your choice on the food menu at Lake shores with views of rolling green hills.
• Boat cruise on Lake Kivu and visit hot springs with optional leg massage in Rubavu (Gisenyi).
• Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali City or Kigali airport.
• Unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Optional trip to Rubavu or Karongi.
• Private transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, 4x4 safari vehicle, or similar.

• •Everything else not mentioned in the Inclusions.

A day trip to Lake Kivu offers a serene and delightful experience at a must-see Rwandan destination. Starting from Kigali, travelers can head to either Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) or Karongi (formerly Kibuye), both located along the lake’s shores.

The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by road from Kigali, providing a wonderful opportunity to unwind on the water and enjoy some tranquility. The true pleasure of driving in this region is the breathtaking countryside views that unfold at every turn. Eucalyptus trees line the roads, and the hills are terraced with bananas. Friendly villagers greet with smiles and waves.

Boating on the lake reveals stunning scenery, offering a calm and peaceful experience.

Local boat captains share insights into Rwandan culture and rural life in the fishing villages along the lake’s edge. During the day trip to Lake Kivu from Kigali, visitors can explore either the Rubavu district or the Karongi district, both situated on the shores of Lake Kivu.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.