Kayaking on Lake Kivu
This is a quest so unforgettable, just enough for you to relax and have fun. Count on what to do during your holiday time, take on a kayaking adventure on Lake Kivu in the Republic of Rwanda in East Africa. Rwanda is a tiny landlocked country with a thousand hills, a wide range of flora and fauna, and lush greenery.
The country’s capital city is Kigali, one of the smartest in the African continent, with great security and hospitable people. This is home to the famous mountain Gorillas in Volcanos National Park, the wildlife at Akagera National Park, and the chimpanzees at Nyungwe National Park. The Republic of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are Rwanda’s neighbors.
Lake Kivu is the largest lake in Rwanda, situated in the western part. Get a chance to peddle single or double-seater kayaks at your own pace in the calm waters while uncovering the hidden gem of the Lake. The activity starts with a briefing on what to expect on the adventure at Gisenyi or Kibuye resort as you get to peddle along the lake shores through the dotted islands and woodlands while watching the fishermen and others prepare their nets for the sunset fishing. Redbreast tilapia, Lake Tanganyika sardines, fin tilapia, and more are present at the lake.
The kayaks used are modern and safe to navigate through the water. Their firm handles make the activity more adventurous as one can swim with easy access to the board. Additional features in the kayak include waterproof bags to keep your gadgets, comfortable seats, a camera, keys, and more to help in the adventure.
The other team members will be waiting with safety gear, a first aid kit, and a map of Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu spans through a surface of over 270,000 hectares, with a hilly backdrop and eye-catching surrounding sceneries. Explore the stunning white sand beaches and the rural villages.
Kayaking can be done in three phases for approximately 2 hours. The first phase is a sunrise kayaking adventure, at sunset, and half-day kayaking. At sunset, there is an opportunity for sunset views and meeting the fishermen out to catch the fish at night. No need to worry about the experience because it can be done by all.
Best time to go Kayaking
Kayaking takes place in the lake all year round, with expert guides present to take you through the activity on any day of the week. The best months are December through to February and June through to September when there is low or no rain that can affect the activity session. Kayaking also demands low water levels, which is possible to achieve in the dry months of the year. The rest of the months are also possible, but with hopes of no abrupt rains that might affect the safari.
Other activities in Lake Kivu
Boat rides on Lake Kivu to uncover the aquatic residents and the beauty of the lake, a coffee tour in the local community to uncover the safari energizer, swimming in the crocodile-free lake, hiking and cycling through the hills and mountainous areas, visiting the orphanage of those victims of the 1994 Genocide, sport fishing where you engage in trapping the different fish species at the lake notably the tilapia fish, Tanganyika sardine, redbreast tilapia fish, and more. Add the Congo Nile hike experience, where one traverses the trail through the Congo-Rwanda border, to your list. Watch the stunning landscape and lush plantations.
What to pack for a safari to Lake Kivu
Already booked your kayaking adventure at Lake Kivu, ensure to pack the essential items that will make your safari a success. Carry along the following items
- A backpack
- Clothes that won’t keep you so wet
- Sunscreen
- A rain jacket
- A camera for photography
- A safari hat
- Enough drinking water, etc.
The duration and other activities you will do besides the kayaking will guide you on other items to pack. Avoid packing that becomes burdensome and tiresome for the entire trip.
In conclusion, kayaking on Lake Kivu is the ultimate safari experience done all year round, with the best months being June to August and December through to February. You need to book in advance for an earlier preparation and unforgettable safari experience on one of the largest lakes in the African continent.
