Kayaking on Lake Kivu

Kayaking on Lake Kivu, One of the most interesting and popular things to do in Rwanda is to go kayaking on Lake Kivu. Water sports on Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s biggest lake, are an exciting way to spend time outside and see the country from a different angle. They take visitors out of Rwanda’s National Parks, where they can relax and try something new.

When you kayak, you move your kayak through the water. A kayak is a low-lying canoe-like boat where the paddler sits facing forward and uses a double-bladed paddle to move the boat from side to side. When people kayak on Lake Kivu, they can go at their own pace and see the lake’s beautiful white-sand beaches and small, remote villages.

About Kivu Lake

Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s biggest lake. It is in the western part of the country, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). With an area of 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles), the lake is the eighth biggest lake in Africa. The African Great Lake is in the Albertine Rift and is surrounded by the beautiful Virunga mountains.

It has fishing towns and deep, olive-green waters that are home to many types of cichlids, including redbreast tilapia, long fin tilapia, and others. In Rwanda, the lake is the center of many exciting water safari activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, boat cruises, bird watching, sport fishing, swimming, culture tours, and more.

Using a kayak on Lake Kivu

Tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lake Kivu while going slowly and in peace while kayaking on it. Lake Kivu is a safe place to boat because it doesn’t have any crocodiles or hippos in it. You can be sure that the boats are well-made, sturdy, and easy to paddle, which will make your trip great.

During the day, fishermen set up their nets on the shore, and birds fly in and out of the bushes. When it gets dark, the local fishers paddle off at the same time, and their uplifting songs can be heard across the lake. They come back the next morning with their catch.

One of the best ways to spend the day or end your Rwanda vacation is to go kayaking in Lake Kivu’s Gisenyi. This is especially true after Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, which is only an hour’s drive from Lake Kivu. Kayaking on Lake Kivu is also a good activity for people who are just taking a break from their busy weekday schedules over the weekend. Also, swimming on Lake Kivu is the best thing to do in Rwanda if you don’t have much time but still want to do something exciting.

Lake Kivu

Every day, you can go kayaking on Lake Kivu. There are short day cruises (minimum one-hour paddle), full-day kayaking adventures, overnight tours, and longer kayaking trips that leave from Gisenyi. The best times to go kayaking are always early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the scenery is at its most beautiful.

Reservations for kayaking must be made ahead of time so that you have enough time to get ready. This is the best Lake Kivu kayaking trip ever. You will meet the team in Gisenyi. After a short safety talk and practice, tourists will be able to paddle at their own pace and get the most out of Lake Kivu.

Most kayak tours on Lake Kivu begin on the northern side of the lake, near Gisenyi. From there, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the inlets and cross bays, as well as watch fishermen fix their nets on the shore. Enjoy the sight of traditional fishing boats with fishermen singing rhythmically together as they sail out to sea for the night of fishing.

This is an experience you will never forget. In addition, you can enjoy amazing views of lush hills, dramatic and beautiful landscapes, and attractive volcanic mountains, all set against the Virunga mountains. You can still see a lot of different bird species while you’re kayaking. They are flying in and out of the bushes along the beach and the many small islands in the lake.

Lake Kivu kayaking isn’t for the faint of heart. You don’t need any special skills or training, but you should be pretty fit. Of course, a trained guide will be with you the whole time and give you all the help and directions you need. Luckily, the experience is great for both kids and adults, and it’s one of the best ways to see this amazing adventure spot and its peaceful beach.

Also, kayaking trips on Lake Kivu use innovative BIC brand boats that are flexible and easy to use for activities on the lake. They also have back grips that you can grab and swim while still being able to easily get on and off the boat. The kayaks have a comfortable place to rest your head and waterproof bags to keep your phone, camera, money, keys, and other gear. This makes them perfect for a classy day exploring the water.

The kayaking staff also has safety gear, a first-aid kit, and a plan of the beautiful Lake. They can also suggest must-see tourist spots or just a nice place to relax and eat lunch after the experience.

How much does it cost to kayak on Lake Kivu?

Kayaking on Lake Kivu costs around USD 30 per person, and each kayak can only hold one person at a time. Several places on Lake Kivu, like the Serena Hotel in Rubavu and the Moriah Hills in Karongi, have water sports equipment for rent.

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris plans day kayaking trips that last anywhere from a few hours to two or three days. Some of the best parts are the overnight stay on a coffee farm and the sunset kayak ride. Monumental EXpeditions and Safaris also offers other water sports trips, like stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Kivu and canoeing along the Mukungwa River in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, which is a great place to see birds. But making plans is always a good idea.

When is the best time to go kayaking on Lake Kivu?

You can go kayaking on Lake Kivu at any time of the year, but the best times are during the dry season, which runs from December to February and June to September. Lower water levels during the dry season make for great paddling and scenery, but be ready for sudden weather changes like winds and showers.

Don’t forget to bring some important things with you, like sunscreen, a rain jacket, sunglasses, a safari hat, a good camera, binoculars, a bag, and enough water to drink.