One-day Kivu Lake Adventure
Description
Leave Kigali City as early as 06h30, (or around 08h30 in case of late night booking) in the morning and drive for estimated 4 hours to enjoy the beautiful boat trip to Napoleon and other islands in Kivu lake. Enjoy lunch before heading northward and head back to Kigali city via the Northern province’s Musanze town. With Us, You Explore Better!
Tour Options
Itinerary
As you reach Kibuye, a boat will take you for a water trip to Napoleon island, Monkey and Peace islands in Kivu lake. While in the waters of Kivu lake, you will disembark the boat at Napoleon island and have a hike of the island to appreciate its beautiful views during the hike and at the summit. Back from the boat trip, enjoy a waterside lunch before heading north to Gisenyi town.
Along the way in Musanze, you will have a stop-over at Migano Cafe for leg stretching, using the washrooms before proceeding to Kigali.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick all our travelers. In the notes (or message), please provide the name of the hotel for pick-up or the street number of the house (place) anywhere in Kigali city.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
Wonderful day by a lake that conveys serenity. A must for all lovers of beautiful places. The journey from Kigali allows you to see all the beauty of Rwanda's landscapes. I am under its charm.
We took a bus ride from Kigali to lake kivu. It took us 31/2 hr from Kigali the road was smooth but really windy, but our bus driver did good. We got to kivu on time, got into the boats accompanied by our guide. He was really nice. While on the lake we saw different island and some had names some didn’t. The one that stood out to me was the one the called the pregnant lady. It sure looked its name. Got to the island where we had a 45 mins hike to the top and 45 mins back. On that island they had these really healthy looking cows that frequently come to drink water by the edge of the island and our guide told us that they were brought there by people to graze, but that no one lived on the island. After we got down we headed to the another island on the lake that had monkey. When they noticed we were around and gave them bananas they suddenly started increasing in number, we kept a safe distance though it was nice. Left that island to see more of the lake and got to see some really nice looking lake resorts while heading back to our starting point. It was a nice experience and a most do will in Rwanda. Make sure you visit Lake Kivu!!
Excellent contact with Olivier, very professional communication. The guide was very punctual at the agreed pick-up point (even 5 minutes early). Our driver/guide (Anaclet) was fantastic. He was able to explain an incredible amount about the country and culture. We had a really great day and will always be happy to recommend the agency and the people involved.
Good day dear Guest! Thank you so much for this review. We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience. It is wonderful to know the communication, punctuality, and cultural insights made your day so memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in the future. With Us, You Explore Better!
The day-trip to Lake Kivu was lovely, especially since we had nice weather. Our driver, Bachou, was excellent and was with us all the times. The only thing we did in the lake was the boat ride (and the lunch). The boat ride lasted almost four hours because we had an issue with the engine of the boat and we had to wait for a replacement (they were able to replace it though within 30mins) but other than that the boat ride was great. The views from Napoleon island were great although the route there isn’t as well maintained as we expected. At the end we also opted to see the swimming cows. It was a fun thing to see but there was an extra $10 fee per person. To return to Kigali we chose to return using the same road we came instead of passing from Musanze as it was a few hours quicker.
Good day dear Guest! Thank you so much for this review and the feedback. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the day-trip to Kivu lake and had a great experience with Bachou. We appreciate your patience during the boat ride and are happy it was still a highlight. We are thrilled you had a memorable day overall. With Us, You Explore Better!
The tour was very well-organized. I loved the beautiful views throughout the trip (while we were driving to and from, and also at the lake). Jean-Paul was great. He showed up on time, made sure I got to see more of the countryside during our drive, and even got us back to Kigali after the tour at a reasonable hour. Would definitely recommend going on this tour to see more of the country.
Good day dear Guest! We are appreciative of this review and the recommendation. It was our pleasure to have hosted you and I am happy that it went the smoothest possible, thanks to Jean Paul the driver-guide. We wish to host you again. With Us, You Explore Better!
The driver was excellent- an honest, knowledgeable, safe, and fun driver to spend the day with! I highly recommend this tour.
Kivu lake is wonderful. But also the trip from Kigali to the lake and back is awesome. You’ll see half of Rwanda with gorgeous landscapes, numerous towns and villages and a colourful street life. Never a dull moment if you’re interested in how Rwandan people live!
Lake Kivu was a beautiful location, and were fortunate to have a great tourguide who took the time to explain the history of the area. Very charismatic as well.
Kigali deserves several days of visits and walks, Akagera park is unmissable, the volcano park is financially unaffordable, Lake Kivu and its surroundings as well as the northern lakes are superb...
Our 1-day Lake Kivu trip was very enjoyable. We traveled with our guide, Shadidi, who was very knowledgeable and organized. Our boat was captained by Captain Tony, who took us to many of the local islands, including a hike up Napoleon Island, which affords a commanding view of the Rwandan coastline of Lake Kivu. It was beautiful. On the island is a colony of bats, which were fun to see. Also, we stopped by Monkey Island and were not disappointed...a family of monkeys came to meet us. The boat ride was excellent and the company engaging. I recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
