One-day Kivu Lake Adventure

A great day out but if travelling from Kigali, be prepared for hours of winding, hilly roads. There isn’t a straight stretch of road the entire way. That said, it is worth the drive, Lake Kivu is amazing and well worth the day visit. If I had more time, I would spend it here.

The trip to Lake Kivu was so smooth, peaceful, and enjoyable. Huge thanks to our tour guide for making everything easy and stress-free. We also really enjoyed the lunch! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overall an excellent experience. Shadady was a great driver guide. Happy, calm and has a great sense of humour. He learned me a lot about Rwanda during our ride to the lake and back. The ride itself is already amazing as you can see the more rural areas between Kigali and Lake Kivu. At the lake there were some amazing views during the boat trip and on Napoleon island. I was lucky to spot some monkeys at Monkey island as well. Communication before the trip was excellent. Definitely would recommend going on a trip with countryside Rwanda.

The tour was great. We Had a lovely time. Jean Paul was very good and looked after us. And also the boat captain, sorry I forgot his name. Hike to the island and lunch with the lake view is unforgettable.

This is a great day trip from Kigali. The landscape is visually stunning and you are able to see Rwandan rural life.

I had an amazing experience with this tour. My tour guide was Shadddy. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I enjoyed the information he shared about the different places and food products we encountered on our journey to the lake. Though it was a long 4+ hour drive with traffic here and there, I enjoyed the experience of getting to see more than Kigali. The experience on Lake Kivu was awesome. My favorite part was watching the tour guide hand pieces of a banana to a monkey. It was a great experience. Well worth it!

Visit was wonderful. I went with husband and was a wonderful experience although tiring.I do really appreciate the driver Bosco was very knowledgeable of the area and patient with us especially during hiking on the island. Lunch was great also.

I spent a full day with Olivier and Shadady discovering Rwanda countryside. Very professional guides who are eager to share with tourists their pride of their country. Celestin and John, the captain and guide on the boat tour on Lake Kivu were also very aimable. I recommend this tour to anyone who wants to spend a day touring Lake Kivu and the western side of Rwanda. A bit expensive, but definitely worth it!

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.

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...

Une excursion inoubliable ! Je remercie très fort le chauffeur et guide Jean-Bosco pour sa grande connaissance du Rwanda (géographie, histoire), de sa faune (vous avons vu beaucoup d’oiseaux), de sa flore et la grande attention qu’il a portée à mes questions. La vue du lac Kivu du haut de l’île Napoléon, et celle de la silhouette du volcan Nyiragongo ont été des moments exceptionnels. Merci encore à Jean-Bosco.