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Lake Kivu Rwanda: Rubavu Beaches and Lakeside Adventures

Escape to Lake Kivu Rwanda in Rubavu, where peaceful waters, beautiful mountain scenery and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere create the perfect break between safari adventures. Explore the waterfront, enjoy a scenic boat trip, experience kayaking and other water activities, or simply slow down beside the lake after gorilla trekking. With welcoming communities, memorable sunsets and refreshing outdoor experiences, Rubavu offers an attractive addition to any Rwanda holiday.
Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel can arrange day trips from Kigali to Rubavu on Lake Kivu with just 24-hour advance notice.

Explore Rubavu Gisenyi Rwanda and Its Beautiful Beaches

Discover Rubavu Gisenyi Rwanda, a vibrant lakeside destination where adventure, local culture and relaxation come together. Spend time on the inviting Rubavu beaches Rwanda is known for, walk along the waterfront, explore local neighbourhoods and enjoy panoramic views across Lake Kivu. Travellers can also add boat rides, kayaking, coffee experiences, hiking and visits to nearby natural attractions for a varied and memorable stay.
Rubavu – Lake Kivu Beach Overview
Beach Overview

Rubavu – Lake Kivu Beach Overview

Rubavu -Lake Kivu is a beach coast town sitting on the shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest waterbody and sixth largest on the African Continent. Located in only 60 minutes (an hour) drives from the from Parc Des Volcanoes, Rubavu offers such a great way to relax and chill out as you recover your energy from the gorillas and other primates trekking adventures undertaken in the Volcanoes Park.

The district’s name originates from Rubavu Mountain. Rubavu which means a rib, was named so because “A rib is an indispensable part of a person” according to local residents. Rubavu, as well as other spots along Lake Kivu, has red sandy beaches, warm, clean water, and an easygoing tropical character.

Rubavu creates the initiation point for the Congo Nile Trail that extends 227 km to Rusizi, with plenty of biking and hiking trails to fulfill those who crave some more adventure.

Lake Kivu

Watersports in Rubavu (Gisenyi)

Rubavu, the most popular beach in the country at the shores of Lake Kivu, is often filled with people from all walks of life, some enjoying water while others are spectators who come just to watch the spectacular performances of others and see the beauty of the lake. Right from swimming as the most popular sport at the beach, those who can’t swim have options to do from kayaking, and boat riding, stand up paddle boarding, beach volleyball, among others that will give you fun all day as you retreat yourself to the cool breezes along the waterbody.
Tea Plantation Experience at PFUNDA Tea Estate Company
Gishwati Mukura

Tea Plantation Experience at PFUNDA Tea Estate Company

During the rainy season, at the height of production, the Pfunda Tea Factory processes up to 90 tonnes of tea from the surrounding plantations daily. Guided tours follow the tea production from the arrival of the green leaf through to the withering, cutting, drying and sorting stages, before it is packaged for shipment to Mombasa (Kenya).
Gishwati Mukura

Coffee Tour Experiences in Rubavu

Near to Rubavu (Gisenyi), coffee enthusiasts can see how coffee is grown and made into a delicious cup of famous Rwandan coffee. And not far from Karongi (Kibuye) is Rwanda’s own ‘Bay of Islands’ where many uninhabited islands are covered with natural woodland and even a remarkable colony of bats. However, it is making the journey silently and quietly along the coast that is the really special part of ‘sea’ kayaking on the lake.
Gishwati Mukura

Mount Rubavu Climbing

Gisenyi city is located at the heels of Mount Rubavu. A climb at the top of the mountain rewards you with exceptional views Gisenyi town and the entire Lake Kivu as well as the neighboring city of Goma. Mount Rubavu also has an interesting history as it had the bases of Germans during their battles with Belgians in the First World War. There is also rock climbing sport at the mountain.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions before joining a tour so that you can find out exactly what you want to know.
1. What is Rubavu Gisenyi Rwanda known for?
Rubavu, historically associated with the name Gisenyi, is known for its location on the shores of Lake Kivu, its laid-back waterfront, sandy beaches and range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, kayaking, lakeside walks, local food and beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Yes. Private guided boat cruises lasting from one to four hours are available from Rubavu aboard a comfortable pontoon motorboat. These cruises are ideal for sunset views, island hopping and birdwatching. Round-trip boat transfers between Rubavu and Karongi can also be arranged, with an optional “Crop to Cup” coffee immersion tour for guests who want to learn more about Rwanda’s coffee-growing traditions.
Visitors to Lake Kivu in Rubavu can enjoy scenic boat trips, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, lakeside walks and relaxing by the water. A visit to the nearby hot springs can also be included for a unique local experience. Travellers may also explore coffee- and tea-growing areas, visit local communities or combine their stay with hiking and other nature-based activities.
4. Can I travel by boat from Karongi to Rubavu on Lake Kivu?
Yes. Private round-trip boat transfers between Karongi and Rubavu can be arranged on a comfortable non-wooden pontoon motorboat. The journey offers scenic views of Lake Kivu, its islands and the surrounding hills. Guests can also enjoy an optional complimentary stop to see the swimming cows along the route.
A one-night stay is suitable for travellers seeking a brief lakeside break, while two or three days provide more time for boat trips, beaches, kayaking, local experiences and relaxation. The ideal length depends on whether Rubavu is a short stopover or a main part of your Rwanda itinerary.
Ikaze Rwanda Tours & Travel