Explore the Kivu Belt of Rwanda

Welcome to the Kivu Belt, a guide to Rwanda’s best ecotourism and adventure tourism destination. This is the most complete guide to amazing places in Rwanda including the popular Lake Kivu, Gishwati Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park to less known destinations such as the Napoleon Island, Ibere Rya Bigogwe, as well as the Kivu Beaches.
Listed on this website are different adventure activities that can be done while on Rwanda safaris through the Kivu Belt and these include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, the Congo Nile Trail etc.

The Kivu Belt

The Kivu Belt stretches from the vibrant beach town Rubavu (156km from Kigali) in the North, over the picturesque lakeside town Karongi (110km from Kigali), along the two majestic mountain rain forests Gishwati & Nyungwe National Park, up to the former fishing village and border town Rusizi (240km from Kigali).

The 3 towns are interconnected by a curvy tarmac road winding its way through the breathtaking landscape passing green banana fields, tea plantations, charming little rural villages and the endless wideness of Lake Kivu. Those who like it more adventurous can cover the distance on the Congo Nile Trail, an adventurous biking & hiking route.

Lake Kivu

The Kivu Belt Region in Western Rwanda is a place of tropical montane rain forests nestled between tea and coffee plantations next to Lake Kivu,  Rwanda’s largest lake. The Kivu Belt region stretches between Rusizi and Rubavu, each at the end Lake Kivu.

Even though Rwanda is a landlocked country without a coast on its own. This does not mean that Rwanda lacks coastal resorts, beaches and islands to explore. Instead of heading towards the coast, many Rwandans head to the shores of Lake Kivu and the Kivu Belt to cool down in the hot dry season.

Lake Kivu is one of the Great Lakes of Africa, dotted with islands, beaches and chilled lakeside resorts. Locals and tourists come to the shores of Lake Kivu in the Kivu Belt to relax, swim and to enjoy the lake. Even though there are many resorts and experiences that hold international standard, the Kivu Belt and Lake Kivu remains an untouched gem, still unspoiled by the reaches of mass tourism and international tourist operators. Lake Kivu still hold many unspoiled beaches, islands, towns and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Lake Kivu, is a peaceful refuge along Rwanda’s western border. Fringed by lush hills and charming towns, Lake Kivu offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. Its clear, calm waters make it perfect for water activities, while the towns along its shore provide unique insights into local life and traditions.

Key Towns and Experiences:

• Gisenyi: Located on the northern shore, Gisenyi is the most developed town around Lake Kivu. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, Gisenyi attracts visitors looking to unwind by the water or explore Rwandan culture. The city features luxury resorts, cosy guesthouses, and lakeside cafes where visitors can enjoy fresh fish and traditional Rwandan dishes. Gisenyi’s cross-border influences from nearby Goma, Congo, enrich the town’s music, food, and art scenes.
• Kibuye: Further south, Kibuye offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Nestled between hills and tea plantations, Kibuye is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Visitors can embark on boat tours to Napoleon Island, home to a colony of fruit bats, adding an element of wildlife exploration. The sunsets in Kibuye are famously beautiful, often casting a warm glow over the water and surrounding landscapes. Memorial sites in Kibuye, such as the St. Pierre Church, serve as reminders of Rwanda’s journey of remembrance and resilience.
• Cyangugu: Gateway to Nyungwe Forest Cyangugu, located on the southern tip of Lake Kivu, serves as both a lakeside retreat and a gateway to the nearby Nyungwe Forest National Park. Less frequented by tourists, Cyangugu offers a quieter, more local experience, with opportunities to explore both the lake and the forest. The town’s proximity to Nyungwe makes it an ideal stop for travellers planning to explore the park’s primate trekking, canopy walk, and hiking trails, creating a unique itinerary that combines lakeside relaxation with rainforest adventure. Cyangugu has a laid-back atmosphere and small, family-owned lodges that provide a welcoming environment for visitors. From Cyangugu, visitors can take boat trips to explore Lake Kivu’s hidden coves and small islands or venture into the local markets and eateries that offer an authentic taste of Rwandan culture. This town’s intimate setting and access to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe make it an attractive choice for travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
• Coffee Tours: Rwanda’s coffee, cultivated on the fertile hills around Lake Kivu, is renowned for its quality and unique flavours. Coffee tours allow visitors to learn about the journey from bean to cup, with visits to plantations where they can participate in harvesting and tasting sessions. Many tours are operated by cooperatives that practice fair trade, supporting local farmers and providing insight into Rwanda’s thriving coffee industry.

Oldest Rain Forests in Africa

Some of the last remaining rain forests Central and East Africa can be found in the Kivu Belt not far from the shores of Lake Kivu.

There are currently 3 remaining rain forests under national protection in the Kivu Belt. These are Nyungwe, Gishwati and Mukura Forests, but there are also other forests remaining, such as Muhungwe mountain and Mt. Rubavu, which are currently not protected as National Parks.

The largest and most well-known of the rain forests is Nyungwe National Park in Rusizi District close to the town of Cyangogu. Nyungwe National Park is operated by African Parks and is a massive protected highland rain forest. The main attraction of Nyungwe Forest is the large primate population of Eastern Chimpanzee, Colobus and Golden Monkeys. There are many more interesting things to see in the Nyungwe Forest. The Canopy Walk gives a first-hand view of the rain forest canopy and with more than 300 bird species and 29 endemic species this is a birders paradise. Gishwati-Mukura Forest National Park, located less than an hour from Rubavu and close to Volcanoes Park Rwanda, the home of the mountain gorilla and the shores of Lake Kivu was created in 2019 and is also one of the last refugees of the Eastern Chimpanzee.

Some of Rwanda’s remaining rain forest can be found in Gishwati-Mukura Forest National Park and parts of the park is currently being reforested.

Both Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited as a part of the Congo Nile Trail as there are side trails running from the main trail to the parks. Park activities can be booked directly from the national park or from a tour operator as part of a tour.