Things to Do in Lake Kivu, République démocratique du Congo

Lake Kivu, straddling the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is one of Africa's Great Lakes and a stunning natural wonder in the eastern DRC. The Congolese side of the lake, centered around the city of Bukavu, offers visitors pristine waters, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences in a region known for its dramatic beauty and complex history. This massive freshwater lake, formed by volcanic activity, sits at an elevation of 1,460 meters and is surrounded by rolling hills, coffee plantations, and traditional fishing villages. The lake region provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic Congolese culture while enjoying some of the most spectacular scenery in Central Africa. Bukavu, the main hub on the Congolese side, serves as a gateway to exploring the lake's numerous islands, engaging with local communities, and discovering the area's colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Despite ongoing regional challenges, Lake Kivu remains a destination of extraordinary natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to witness the resilience and warmth of the Congolese people while experiencing one of Africa's most remarkable aquatic environments.

Top Things to Do in Lake Kivu

Island Hopping and Boat Tours

Explore Lake Kivu's numerous islands by traditional wooden boat or motorized vessel, visiting fishing communities and enjoying the pristine waters. The lake's islands offer glimpses into traditional Congolese lake life, with opportunities to interact with local fishermen and observe traditional boat-building techniques. The crystal-clear waters and surrounding volcanic landscape create a spectacular backdrop for these excursions.

Booking Tip: Arrange boat tours through local operators in Bukavu for $20-40 per day including guide. Early morning departures offer the best weather conditions and fishing activity viewing. Choose operators with life jackets and reliable boats, and negotiate prices in advance.

Bukavu City Walking Tour

Discover Bukavu's colonial architecture, bustling markets, and lakefront promenades on foot through the city's diverse neighborhoods. The city features Belgian colonial buildings, vibrant local markets selling everything from fresh fish to traditional crafts, and scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Kivu. Walking tours provide insight into daily Congolese life and the city's role as a regional trading hub.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides through hotels or tourist offices for $10-15 per day. Start early morning to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Guides familiar with local history and French/English speaking abilities enhance the experience significantly.

Coffee Plantation Visits

Tour the hillside coffee plantations surrounding Lake Kivu, learning about traditional and modern coffee cultivation methods in this renowned coffee-growing region. Visitors can participate in coffee picking during harvest season, observe processing techniques, and taste some of the world's finest Arabica coffee varieties. The plantations offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape.

Booking Tip: Visit during harvest season (March-July) for the full experience. Plantation tours cost $15-25 per person and include tastings. Contact plantations directly or through Bukavu hotels for arrangements, and bring comfortable walking shoes for hillside terrain.

Traditional Fishing Experience

Join local fishermen on early morning fishing expeditions using traditional methods and nets on Lake Kivu's abundant waters. This authentic cultural experience provides insight into the lake's importance for local livelihoods and traditional fishing techniques passed down through generations. Participants can learn net casting, boat navigation, and fish preparation methods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through lakeside communities for $15-20 per person including equipment. Depart before sunrise (5-6 AM) for best fishing conditions. Bring warm clothing for early morning lake temperatures and sun protection for later in the day.

Lakefront Sunset Viewing

Experience spectacular sunsets over Lake Kivu from various viewpoints around Bukavu and the surrounding hills. The lake's western orientation creates dramatic evening light displays reflected on the water, with the Rwandan hills visible across the lake. Popular viewing spots include the city's elevated neighborhoods and lakefront restaurants offering panoramic vistas.

Booking Tip: Best viewing spots are accessible by motorcycle taxi (moto) for $2-5. Lakefront restaurants offer sunset viewing with dinner for $10-15 per person. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for optimal positioning and bring a camera for the spectacular light conditions.

Getting There

Reaching Lake Kivu in the DRC requires flying into Kavumu Airport near Bukavu, with connections through Kinshasa or regional hubs like Kigali, Rwanda. Overland travel from Kigali takes 3-4 hours by road to the border, followed by border crossing procedures and local transport to Bukavu. Regional airlines operate flights from Kinshasa to Bukavu several times weekly, though schedules can be irregular. Visitors should ensure proper visa documentation for DRC entry and consider security conditions in the region when planning travel routes.

Getting Around

Local transportation around Lake Kivu and Bukavu relies primarily on motorcycle taxis (motos), shared taxis, and private vehicle hire. Motos are the most common and affordable option for short distances within Bukavu, costing $1-3 per ride. For lake excursions and longer distances, private vehicle hire with driver costs $30-50 per day. Boat transport between lakeside communities is available through local operators, with prices varying by distance and group size. Walking is feasible within Bukavu's city center, though the hilly terrain can be challenging.

Where to Stay

Bukavu City Center

Lakefront Bukavu

Panzi Peninsula

Bagira Neighborhood

Kadutu District

Ibanda Area

Food & Dining

Lake Kivu's dining scene centers around fresh fish from the lake, particularly tilapia and sambaza, prepared with local spices and served with ugali or rice. Bukavu offers a mix of Congolese cuisine, simple European dishes reflecting colonial influence, and regional specialties featuring local vegetables and fruits. Lakefront restaurants provide scenic dining with grilled fish specialties, while local markets offer street food including brochettes, plantains, and fresh tropical fruits. Hotel restaurants typically serve the most reliable meals for international visitors, with local eateries providing authentic experiences at very affordable prices ranging from $2-8 per meal.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Congo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Nenban Restaurant

4.6 /5

(685 reviews)

View on Map Website

Happy Time

4.9 /5

(192 reviews)

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Kai

4.7 /5

(108 reviews)

View on Map Website

When to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Kivu is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when rainfall is minimal and lake conditions are most favorable for boat activities. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round due to the high elevation, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). The wet seasons (March-May and October-November) bring heavy afternoon rains but also lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. Coffee harvest season (March-July) offers unique plantation experiences, while the dry months provide the most reliable weather for outdoor activities and transportation.

Insider Tips

Carry small denomination US dollars or local francs as credit cards are rarely accepted and ATMs are unreliable in the region

Learn basic French or Swahili phrases as English is not widely spoken outside of hotels and tourist services

Always travel with a local guide or contact for navigation and cultural interpretation, as tourism infrastructure is limited but local knowledge is invaluable

Things to Do in Lake Kivu