A large rift-valley lake on the Congolese border, with island boat trips, fishing villages and swimming beaches.
Related activities
Congo Nile Trail cycling section
Ride a day section of the lakeshore trail between villages.
Lake Kivu fishermen sunset boat
Evening trip out with the singing fishing crews.
How to get to Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu sits in Rubavu (Gisenyi), Rwanda. Most visitors base themselves in Rubavu (Gisenyi) and plan the visit as part of a day there. It pairs well with Volcanoes National Park, so you can group them on the same day.
Tickets and time needed
The source we checked states that entry to Lake Kivu is free. Plan about 4h for a typical visit.
Best time to visit Lake Kivu
For Rubavu (Gisenyi) in general: June to September and December to February.
Tips for your visit
Related things to do here include Congo Nile Trail cycling section, Lake Kivu fishermen sunset boat.
Lake Kivu FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Lake Kivu?
The source we checked states that entry to Lake Kivu is free.
How long should I spend at Lake Kivu?
A typical visit takes about 4h.
Where is Lake Kivu?
Lake Kivu is in Rubavu (Gisenyi), Rwanda.
When is the best time to visit Lake Kivu?
June to September and December to February.
What is near Lake Kivu?
Nearby places include Volcanoes National Park.
Guidese editorial team
Travel research & data review
We build every guide from official tourism boards, operator sites and published price lists. We record where each number came from and when it was last checked.
- Every cost and season figure is sourced and dated
- No sponsored rankings or paid placements
- Facts re-checked on a scheduled review cycle

