Private Tour

Lake Kivu Boat Trips & Experiences

Overview

Available languages

English

French

Mobile ticket

Boat ride experience on Lake Kivu is mostly done in Karongi and Rubavu (Gisenyi) mostly. Enjoy the tranquility of Lake Kivu's hillside views, by undertaking a boat ride in Karongi to see islands or Rubavu for lake shores sightseeing tour, and you may pair the boat ride with coffee tour, the hike of the Congo Nile trail, the night fishing experiences and more.

A full safety briefing will be given prior to departure, and throughout the trip.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

WiFi on board

Snacks

Life Jackets

What To Expect

Nyamyumba Hot Springs

Visit the hot spring and expect local massage from only in Rubavu

10 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Gisenyi Boat Ride-Wooden boat

The hot springs
Duration: 2 hours

Gisenyi Boat Ride-Triton boat

The hot springs
Duration: 1 hour

Half day boat & Coffee tour

Coffee Tour from crops to cup: You will have the opportunity to learn hands on about coffee growing processes from the farmers to cup..
Duration: 4 hours
Wooden motorboat

KIbuye Islands boat tour

Napoleon (Nyamunini) Island: Napoleon Hike is always a client’s option: 1,2 Km return distance hike, 113m as elevation to gain, and max altitude is 1583m
Duration: 2 hours

Boat Transfer Kibuye -Gisenyi

Reviews

4.94

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great trek and boat trip
Trek20189617492,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Yusuf, Giselle and Jean brought out the best of Lake Kivu. The visit to Napoleon Island - with the great views from its peak - was memorable Jeff - Malta
Lovely boat trip
martina ferracane,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a lovely boat trip starting from Kibuye with a stop for hiking Napoleon island. Gisela was a lovely guide and explained a lot of interesting facts about the lake and the fisherman. I recommend this experience
Wonderful - Giselle is a great guide
E9226FTkeving,
Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing views. Knowledgeable guide. Great captain and smooth sailing. Many animals. The lake is enormous and can’t really be captured in photo.
Fishing on the lake like I’ve never seen before.
FrequentFlier788776,
Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We truly enjoyed the night fishing experience with Salama! We thought we were only going to get to observe the fisherman going out, but we actually got to sit on board their fishing and help all the nets in! Is hard to beat the beauty of Lynn key, but it is even more magical when you get to be on the lake at dark.
Something we didn’t expect!
Gianlucabisco,
Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Simply amazing! The landscape is stunning all around , Giselle is a very talented girl, she knows everything we needed to know, also Ja (?), the captain is a very nice guy. Not a easy hiking on Napoleon Island but, then, already at the first stop, the view at sundown is breathtaking! Ending with the fishermen boats was like the cherry on the cake!!!!
RWANDA HOLIDAY
jianh780,
Jan 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The lake is beautiful with some islands and birds. The captain and the tour guide miss Giselle was wonderful, very friendly and experienced, her passionate commentary was so impressive
Beautiful and informative
Navigator564932,
Jul 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sheba was a great guide. They met me at my desired location, Lakeside Bar and Restaurant and then we went around the lake and she pointed out all the cool spots and explained some of the history. The fishing village was cool. I took the trip from Gisenyi, but apparently Kibuye has more stuff to do.
Not to be missed!
X6803TNkarinel,
Jul 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An outing not to be missed with many discoveries: the walk on Lake Kivu, the magnificent view from Napoleon Island, the fishermen of Sambaza, the animals: monkeys, bats, swimming cows...
Visit Rwanda
Namdahtours,
Jun 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
For nature lovers this is a must do whenever you are in Rwanda. #visitRwanda. Visited the several islands in Lake Kivu and the one that got our attention most was the island with the swimming cows.
Amedé is a golden guide
margauxl416,
Feb 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amedé is a golden guide who shared with us the history of the lake and its culture. We were very happy to have shared a day with him. The experience on his boat will remain unforgettable for us.

From US$50.00