One-day Kivu Lake Adventure
Overview
Available languages
14 hours
Mobile ticket
Leave Kigali City as early as 06h30, (or around 08h30 in case of late night booking) in the morning and drive for estimated 4 hours to enjoy the beautiful boat trip to Napoleon and other islands in Kivu lake. Enjoy lunch before heading northward and head back to Kigali city via the Northern province’s Musanze town.
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Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Visit Lake Kivu Boat tour & Adventure
As you reach Kibuye, a boat will take you for a water trip to Napoleon island, Monkey and Peace islands in Kivu lake. While in the waters of Kivu lake, you will disembark the boat at Napoleon island and have a hike of the island to appreciate its beautiful views during the hike and at the summit. Back from the boat trip, enjoy a waterside lunch before heading north to Gisenyi town.
Along the way in Musanze, you will have a stop-over at Migano Cafe for leg stretching, using the washrooms before proceeding to Kigali.
What‘s Included
A professional driver-guide
WiFi on board
Bottled water
1 x One-course basis lunch per person and 1 x Drink person with lunch (a soft drink or a local beer)
Boat trip admission to Napoleon and other islands in Kivu lake
Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Kigali city
220-240V electrical current for phones and portable devices
Shared transport, Or private if opted
Breakfast not included
Non-local drinks with lunch
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions
Options
One-day Kivu Lake Adventure
Pickup included
Private car, Shared boat ride
This option uses a private, non-shared car transport, and lunch. Boat ride in Kivu lake is shared with other participants.
Lunch: Lunch, a one-course basis, at Bethanie Hotel and a drink of choice per participant
Pickup included
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lake Kivu visit
Tenacity75,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a bus ride from Kigali to lake kivu. It took us 31/2 hr from Kigali the road was smooth but really windy, but our bus driver did good. We got to kivu on time, got into the boats accompanied by our guide. He was really nice. While on the lake we saw different island and some had names some didn’t. The one that stood out to me was the one the called the pregnant lady. It sure looked its name. Got to the island where we had a 45 mins hike to the top and 45 mins back. On that island they had these really healthy looking cows that frequently come to drink water by the edge of the island and our guide told us that they were brought there by people to graze, but that no one lived on the island. After we got down we headed to the another island on the lake that had monkey. When they noticed we were around and gave them bananas they suddenly started increasing in number, we kept a safe distance though it was nice. Left that island to see more of the lake and got to see some really nice looking lake resorts while heading back to our starting point. It was a nice experience and a most do will in Rwanda. Make sure you visit Lake Kivu!!
Highly recommended!
Stay43210633251,,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent contact with Olivier, very professional communication. The guide was very punctual at the agreed pick-up point (even 5 minutes early). Our driver/guide (Anaclet) was fantastic. He was able to explain an incredible amount about the country and culture. We had a really great day and will always be happy to recommend the agency and the people involved.
Lovely day trip in Lake Kivu with excellent driver
Chris K,,May 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The day-trip to Lake Kivu was lovely, especially since we had nice weather. Our driver, Bachou, was excellent and was with us all the times. The only thing we did in the lake was the boat ride (and the lunch). The boat ride lasted almost four hours because we had an issue with the engine of the boat and we had to wait for a replacement (they were able to replace it though within 30mins) but other than that the boat ride was great. The views from Napoleon island were great although the route there isn’t as well maintained as we expected. At the end we also opted to see the swimming cows. It was a fun thing to see but there was an extra $10 fee per person. To return to Kigali we chose to return using the same road we came instead of passing from Musanze as it was a few hours quicker.
Beautiful views throughout the tour
937bonnieh,,Aug 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very well-organized. I loved the beautiful views throughout the trip (while we were driving to and from, and also at the lake). Jean-Paul was great. He showed up on time, made sure I got to see more of the countryside during our drive, and even got us back to Kigali after the tour at a reasonable hour. Would definitely recommend going on this tour to see more of the country.
The driver was excellent-...
Victor P,,Mar 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver was excellent- an honest, knowledgeable, safe, and fun driver to spend the day with! I highly recommend this tour.
The lake, but also the trip!
Johannes B,,Dec 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Kivu lake is wonderful. But also the trip from Kigali to the lake and back is awesome. You’ll see half of Rwanda with gorgeous landscapes, numerous towns and villages and a colourful street life. Never a dull moment if you’re interested in how Rwandan people live!
Excellent Tour Guide!
O4207XOchristianr,,Oct 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lake Kivu was a beautiful location, and were fortunate to have a great tourguide who took the time to explain the history of the area. Very charismatic as well.
Superb country with varied landscapes and welcoming people
Nomad747260,,Sep 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kigali deserves several days of visits and walks, Akagera park is unmissable, the volcano park is financially unaffordable, Lake Kivu and its surroundings as well as the northern lakes are superb...
Lake Kivu Rwanda
T9194DNemilyg,,Aug 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 1-day Lake Kivu trip was very enjoyable. We traveled with our guide, Shadidi, who was very knowledgeable and organized. Our boat was captained by Captain Tony, who took us to many of the local islands, including a hike up Napoleon Island, which affords a commanding view of the Rwandan coastline of Lake Kivu. It was beautiful. On the island is a colony of bats, which were fun to see. Also, we stopped by Monkey Island and were not disappointed...a family of monkeys came to meet us. The boat ride was excellent and the company engaging. I recommend this trip wholeheartedly.
Excellent service and a great experience!
Climber06192009659,,May 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall an excellent experience. Shadady was a great driver guide. Happy, calm and has a great sense of humour. He learned me a lot about Rwanda during our ride to the lake and back. The ride itself is already amazing as you can see the more rural areas between Kigali and Lake Kivu. At the lake there were some amazing views during the boat trip and on Napoleon island. I was lucky to spot some monkeys at Monkey island as well. Communication before the trip was excellent. Definitely would recommend going on a trip with countryside Rwanda.
From US$175.00
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Operated by Countryside Tours-Rwanda