Unique things to Do around Lake Kivu
Things to Do around Lake Kivu, While taking a leisurely journey to the interesting Lake Kivu, one can partake in some of the incredible safari activities included in the top interesting things to do around lake kivu. One of Rwanda’s freshwater lakes, Lake Kivu, is shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its neighbor. Being the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth largest in Africa, the lake holds enormous meaning for the Rwandan people. There are 28 distinct fish species in the lake, notably the Nile tilapia, red tilapia, and blue-spotted tilapia. Water birds include the Bronzed Sunbird, Ashy Flycatcher, Chin-spot Batis, Speckled Pigeons, Common Waxbill-spotted Yellow-throated Greenbul, and many more. Because of the various activities that are conducted to gain money, the lake also serves as a source of revenue for the locals. Visitors can participate in these activities to add something special to their Rwandan vacations.
Top unique things to do around lake kivu
Boat Cruise
Boat Cruise: Of the top things to do around lake kivu, boat cruises are the most popular. You will have the ideal opportunity for an amazing boat cruise in Lake Kivu. All of the boat cruises at the lake are very rewarding and offer a variety of attractions to explore while you travel on the tranquil waters of the lake. Another fantastic feature that can be obtained during your boat cruise on Lake Kivu is the custom-made packages that include lunch while on the boat and an evening sunset view while sipping wine and reading a book. You can explore the other islands, such as Amahoro Island and Napoleon Island, where an exciting adventure awaits you, if you choose a longer boat excursion.
One of the top things to do around lake kivu is sport fishing, which is yet another fascinating pastime. Numerous fish species, including the Nile tilapia, longfin tilapia, blue-spotted tilapia, redbreast tilapia, and Lake Tanganyika sardine, can be found in the freshwater lake.
Because of the wide range of fish species that may be caught from the lake, the activity is engaging and well worth the effort. The activity in the nation is intriguing since it gives you the opportunity to keep one fish to take home as a reward for taking part. This is a great incentive to do the activity, which makes your trip to Lake Kivu exciting.
Bird watching
Birding: There are many bird species that can be seen on lake shores. Some of these species can be seen catching fish, which is typically the prey of African king fishers, African woodpeckers, knob-billed ducks, white-faced whistling ducks, yellow-billed storks, sacred ibis, hadada ibis, common waxbills, yellow-throated greenbul, chin-spot batis, and ashy flycatchers. While on a boat tour or taking walks along Lake Kivu’s shoreline, you can spot more bird species.
Swimming
Swimming: Lake Kivu is a freshwater lake with clear, bilharzia-free waters that are ideal for swimming. After long walks and a sweltering day, feel free to dip into the water for a peaceful, relaxing experience. If you’re not a good swimmer and you want to participate in one of the amazing things to do in lake kivu don’t worry—friendly people are willing to teach you or assist you while you swim. Lifesaving personnel are on duty at several of the lake’s beaches to ensure the safety of your activities.
Island visits
Island visits: Depending on how much time you have at the lake, you can spend more time on the various islands. For example, Nyamirundi Island has a sizable coffee plantation where you can learn about the entire coffee-making process, from harvesting to drying to roasting to grinding the coffee for human consumption. You will have the opportunity to sample the organic coffee grown in the deep, fertile soil of the “land of a thousand hills.” Another option is to go to Napoleon Island, which is connected to the Rwandan genocide and can be seen on the Rwanda genocide tour. There, you will have the opportunity to watch the many bats that greet you with various noises in the trees. Many escaped to the island to hide from the Hutus during that time, but when the Hutus learned of their secret, they came to the island and set it on fire along with everyone who had taken sanctuary there. There are more islands on the lake, such as Amahoro Island, Peace Island, and a calm island.
Biking/Water Sports
Biking/Water Sports: Biking is not just a sport that can be done by the shore; you can also enjoy the lake wind while riding around the lakeshore. To make the vacation to Lake Kivu very fulfilling, you can engage in a variety of sports on the several beaches that line its shores, including kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball, beach soccer, and much more.
Visiting the Orphanage in Imbabazi
Visiting the Orphanage in Imbabazi: While at Lake Kivu, you may choose to visit the Imababazi orphanage, founded by American humanitarian Rasmond Carr, a significant figure in Rwandan history and a close friend of the late Dian Fossey, a vital figure in mountain gorilla conservation. The orphanage was founded to provide a home for children whose parents were killed during the Rwandan genocide. It should be mentioned that many children became orphans as a result of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and Rosamond saw the suffering they were going through and made the decision to open the orphanage to care for them so they wouldn’t miss out on the love of loved ones, which is a touching gesture to a non-Rwandan. You can visit the orphanage during your vacation, where many orphans have been brought in over the years. You can buy them a gift, offer them emotional support, or read them a book to help them feel loved.