Sailing on Lake Kivu
Sailing on Lake Kivu: Located in the Western part of Rwanda, the magnificent Lake Kivu always invites tourists for adventure and tranquility. Being one of the most stunning and best-equipped lakes in Africa, it offers peaceful and interesting sailing on the water of Lake Kivu. As the sun sets painting the sky orange and purple, it is time to set out to take a pleasant boat ride that is common in the region and locally referred to as ‘pirogues’.
The largest of the four main lakes; Lake Kivu stretches its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the north. The calm still water of the lake is but one of the aspects of the rich and unusual structure of the lake and its surroundings. It is one of the African Great Lakes and its importance is that it constitutes part of Rwanda’s natural resources, fishery, and energy resources due to some geothermal potential.
When unpacking your pirogue, a professional tour guide who is endemic to the region you are visiting will be at hand to steer you through the scintillating waters. The boat moves smoothly on water and the fresh wind brings the smell of the fresh forests close to the water. En-route, you get to cross through small villages seeing fishermen in their canoes strapping up their fishing nets, or waving at your children.
Adventuring in the Islands of Lake Kivu
One of the most enticing features of traveling on Lake Kivu is the capability to tour the beautiful islands. The most outstanding of them is Napamoto Island, which is of particular interest to bird watchers. Here you can see a number of them like the African fish eagle, the great blue heron, and the very scarce papyrus gonolek.
One more stop should include Idjwi Island which is the second largest island on Lake Kivu. It is a center in which one can experience some engaging cultural history of Batwa and Tutsi people. People should immerse themselves in cultural encounters such as dancing, and food that is unique to the region.
Paradise Beaches
But then, when you say beach holidays, then Rwanda might not probably be the first country that comes to your mind. But on the lake side of Kivu, there are many secluded areas from which people can relax. After bringing the pirogue to the shore, people can immerse themselves in freshwater which is rather warm due to the bottom of the lake, which is made of volcanic origin. There are a few hidden treasures that one should consider; there are a number of isolated beaches around Kibuye where you can take a dip, bask on the shores or simply relax.
Other Activities and Tourist Destination Sites Other than Expectations from the Lake
Sailing on Lake Kivu doesn’t have to be the only memorable experience of the trip. The nearby places are chock full of things to do and places to visit. Climb through the Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vast area of virgin tropical rainforest offering the best habitats for chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and over 300 species of birds. Here the canopy view thrills the visitors and is perhaps one of the biggest attractions at this site.
Historically inclined travelers will find that a trip to the Murambi Genocide Centre and Museum is educating as well as a sad reminder that human beings were exterminated in 1994 Rwanda Genocide. It affords a much-needed insight into the otherwise complicated societal history of Rwanda and explains quite a lot about the country’s rise.
Useful information to make your travel to Lake Kivu more enjoyable
As for the proposal for the tour, it is important to achieve it in one day, during the navigation on Lake Kivu. Sailing is best done in the dry season from June to September, and there is always sunshine and no or little precipitation. But for the people who do not like hot days and stuffed attractions it is better to choose the end of May and October.
The weather is hot therefore people should pack light clothing items that are made out of light fabric that can let air through. Do not forget to take along eyewear such as shades, sunscreen lotion, and a jacket in case it gets cold in the evening. Good shoes that fit well are recommended for any off-boat activities.
Availability of lodges that are near Lake Kivu offers a wide range of accommodation services in line with the customized budgets available. Luxury resorts that would give visitors bird-eye views of the lakes to budgetary, relatively, rustic cottages in the countryside; there is everything in between. The main towns situated near the lake include Kibuye, Gisenyi, and Cyangugu each with various experiences and places to stay.
Conclusion
Sailing on Lake Kivu is not only an opportunity to have a nice and peaceful vacation, it is also an opportunity to get to know Rwanda and meet Rwandans, and see how despite the tragic history they carry on their shoulders, Rwandans have kept their genuine and warm welcoming nature. Whether it is a fascination with animal and plant life, a passion for food, or a desire for a quiet and untroubled vacation, Lake Kivu will not leave you indifferent. So soon you start getting back to the shore in the evening, with the pleasant memories of this Magic Kingdom waiting for the day to come back again.
