There are several places of interest to explore in the Kivu Belt.
Lake Kivu
Lying on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes (the sixth largest in Africa) located in the Albertine rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. The lake is stunningly beautiful and an incredible place to visit on your Rwandan adventure. The water in the lake has a cool temperature and there are beautiful beaches along the lakeshores with fine sand where one can relax in the sun after having incredible experiences in some water sports like kayaking or wind surfing. At only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu is also a great place to unwind after your gorilla trekking adventures.
Nyungwe Forest
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is located in southwestern part of Rwanda, on the border with Burundi where it is contiguous with Kibira national park to the south and Lake Kivu of DR Congo to the west. The forest is known as the best-preserved montane rainforest in Africa rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Most safaris in Rwanda feature chimpanzee tracking since to most visitors, primate tracking tops most visitor’s list, but it’s worth lingering a little longer for those with time to relax and take in the primal atmosphere. Botanists will marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. Whilst the birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 bird species including Red-collared Babbler and 28 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species.
Nyanza (Butare)
This historic town was the former capital of the Kingdom of Rwanda and during the visit, you get a chance to explore the King’s Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum to learn about Rwanda’s rich history and culture.
Huye
Known for its vibrant culture and history, Huye hosts the University of Rwanda’s main campus. It is one of the eight districts that make up Rwanda’s southern province with a total surface area of 581.6 square kilometers. The town offers cultural experiences, including traditional dance performances and local crafts.