Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a 2,650 square km extraordinarily good-looking inland sea enclosed by the steep, green terraced hills along eastern Rwanda (4,790 and stands at a height of 1,460 metres ft) above sea level. This large lake is across the border between western Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is surrounded by forested hills, with sandy bays and fishing villages. Some 1370 km2 or 58% of the lake’s waters lie within DRC borders.
The world’s tenth-largest inland island, Idjwi, lies in Lake Kivu, as does the tiny island of Tshegera, which also lies within the boundaries of Virunga National Park; while settlements on its shore include Bukavu, Kabare, Kalehe, Sake and Goma in Congo and Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu in Rwanda and are linked by a wild roller-coaster road that tumbles through abundant plantain fields and leftover patches of foggy tropical forest to offer broad views over the blue waters with the nearby Virunga volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop. The road winds endlessly in a numerous twists and turns and the ordinary storm clouds lend ruggedly romantic scenery to this region.
Gisenyi and Kibuye towns both contain pretty realistic colonial style hotels, the best of which is the Kibuye Guesthouse. Gisenyi, the most developed of these resorts is set on a sandy beach lined with credible palms and colonial-era hotels that display an atmosphere of tropical languor.
At Kibuye to the south, tourist activities are centered on a modern lake shore guest house overlooking pine-covered hills. Kibuye is such a relaxed, pleasant town that it is enjoyable strolling along the lake shores, bird-watching or just watching life open out. Other leisure activities include water skiing, wind surfing, boat trips and fishing.
Cyangugu town whose submissive tourist development is compensated by an inspiring setting of curving inlets winding into narrow valleys and it’s close proximity to Nyungwe forest where at least 25% of Africa’s primates can be found among lots more natural wonders. For travelers on a guided safari, it may include a motorboat trip down the lake between Kibuye and Cyangugu.
Lake Muhazi
Lake Muhazi is a long thin shallow lake in the east of Rwanda. The bigger part of the lake lies in the Eastern Province, with the western end forming the border between the Northern and Kigali Provinces. It is a flooded valley lake, lying largely in east to west direction, but with several offshoots in a north to south direction, previously the position of tributaries. The lake has a concrete dam at the western end, constructed in 1999 to replace an earth dam which had existed since time immemorial. The lake empties into the Nyabugogo River, which flows southwards to Kigali where it meets the Nyabarongo River. Muhazi is an hour and a half drive away from Kigali and is among Rwanda’s scenic treasures. This serene lake is superlative for a day trip away from the commotion of the city where one can eat fresh fish while watching the sun set over the small boats dotting the lake.