Canoeing on Lake Kivu: Discover Rwanda beyond primates and wildlife safaris

Canoeing on Lake Kivu involves boarding a small canoe (boat) and paddling through the calm, crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu, witnessing the lush green hills and misty mountains that surround the lake.  Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s largest water bodies, located on the western part of the country, on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, known for its serene beauty that makes it one of the top safari escapes in Rwanda, especially after intense gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or wildlife safaris in Rwanda. Although Rwanda safaris are famous for Primate tracking (Mountain gorilla trekking & chimpanzee trekking) Lake Kivu on the contrary offers more unique and mid blowing adventures like Canoeing on Lake Kivu, Kayaking on Lake Kivu, Swimming in Lake Kivu, and exploring the islands on boat, among others.

Although most tours (safari itineraries) here focus on lakeside relaxation, one of the most immersive and eco-friendly ways to experience its beauty is by canoeing on Lake Kivu. The Canoeing experience in Lake Kivu offers visitors an opportunity of gliding across calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded with rolling hills in the background. Beyond the canoeing experience in Lake Kivu, there are a plethora of activities on offer while here, allowing you to combine them just on a single visit.  From Canoeing in Lake Kivu to the more intense water sports in Rwanda like Kayaking, a visit to Rwanda’s Lake Kivu guarantees a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich adventure in the western part of Rwanda. Discover the serene beauty of Rwanda by embarking on a Canoeing trip to Lake Kivu during Rwanda Holiday Safaris or Rwanda Vacation.

 

Rwanda Canoeing Tours (Water Sports in Rwanda/Lake Kivu Activities)  

Rwanda Canoeing Tours – Lake Kivu in Rwanda is the prime location for Rwanda Canoeing Tours/ Rwanda waters sports destination. There is no way we would talk about a Rwanda Holiday tour/Rwanda Vacation without mentioning one of the best spots for relaxation after the intense Rwanda Safari, Lake Kivu. After a long memorable wildlife and primate adventure in Rwanda, you might consider one or two days just to relax by the hotel or beach side. The one or two days can however turn into an absoulute adventure experience if you are willing to try Rwanda water sports/Lake Kivu Activities.

 

You might, however, wonder ‘‘Why Choose Lake Kivu for Canoeing?’’

Lake Kivu is known for its calm waters that offer ideal conditions for Canoeing and  Kayaking for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The waters are also safe since they do not harbor aquatic predators like hippos and crocodiles. It would be very unfair if we talked about this topic and didn’t mention the spectacular views and serene beauty of the lake itself and the surroundings. On a canoeing experience/Tours to Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, visitors get an opportunity to witness the incredible sceneries including the Volcanic hills, lush vegetations and the several islands found in the lake.

For visitors interested in discovering new ways of life around Africa, this is a perfect spot. There are local communities that live near the lake where you can visit for memorable and rich cultural tours. If you are looking forward to visiting Rwanda for your next safari tour/African Vacation/Holiday, after enjoying the memorable gorilla trekking or wildlife safari in Rwanda, consider Canoeing on Lake Kivu as an icing on the cake.

 

Best Places for Canoeing on Lake Kivu: Gisenyi canoe trips, Kibuye Lake Kivu, & Cyangugu (Rusizi)

Gisenyi (Rubavu)

Gisenyi also formally known as Kisenyi is the second largest city in Rwanda, located in the western province in Rubavu District. This city is contiguous with Goma, which is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gisenyi features resorts and several hotels that are located on the shores of Lake Kivu, this area is also known to have about three sandy beaches that offer different water sports in Rwanda, including Canoeing on Lake Kivu and Kayaking on Lake Kivu.

For visitors planning to go for a canoeing experience after gorilla trekking, Gisenyi is the closest point from to Volcanoes National Park. Canoeing at Gisenyi offers memorable experience in Rwanda and has both the sunset paddles and guided canoe excursions. The other unique thing about Canoeing in Gisenyi is the incredible mix of urban energy and local fishing culture that you’ll experience during safaris here.

 

Kibuye (Karongi)

Kibuye is a city located in the western province of Rwanda in Karongi District. The Kibuye city lies on the shores of Lake Kivu just between Gisenyi and Cyangugu. Kibuye is approximately 135 kilometres (84 mi) and 3 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s Capital. This city features a beach resort that is located between the top primate tracking locations in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe National Park).  Kibuye is arguably the most scenic part of Lake Kivu and Canoeing adventures here grant visitor even a better opportunity to discover this area.

The popular Canoeing and Kayaking experiences here include paddling to Napoleon Island, known for its bat colony.

Cyangugu (Rusizi)

Cyangugu (formerly Shangugu) is located in the Western Province of Rwanda in Rusizi District. This city lies at the southern end of Lake Kivu, and is contiguous with Bukavu, which is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cyangugu and Bukavu are separated by the Ruzizi River. Two bridges and a dam cross the river frontier.

This city lies near Nyungwe Forest, a popular tourist destination, being one of the last remaining forest areas of Rwanda and home to chimpanzees and many other species of primate. It is the less frequented visited among the three hubs for Canoeing in Rwanda however it is ideal for off-the-beaten-path explorers.

 

Canoeing Experiences Available in Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Sunrise and sunset paddles – The sunrise and sunset paddles are short (1–2 hour) trips that offer spectacular views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding. The Sunrise and sunset paddles are the most commonly done Canoeing Experiences on Lake Kivu.

Half-day and full-day tours –  Besides the sunrise and sunset paddles, you can also enjoy a half-day or full day canoeing adventure on Lake Kivu. The full day and half day canoeing experiences are ideal for visitors who are looking forward to exploring the islands, meet local fishermen, and enjoy beach stops.

 

What to Bring: The complete packing list for a Canoeing Tour in Rwanda, Lake Kivu

  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Lightweight clothing that dries quickly
  • Waterproof phone case or dry bag
  • Water bottle
  • Swimsuit

 

When Is the Best Time to Go Canoeing on Lake Kivu?

Just like all other Rwanda safaris, Canoeing safaris in Rwanda are best done during the high season. The best time to visit Lake Kivu or Rwanda for safaris is between June to September and December to February. The weather during these months of the year is favorable for all water spot activities in Rwanda.

The dry months are also associated with clear skies, the waters are calm, and the air is warm, making it the perfect time Canoeing and Kayaking on Lake Kivu.