Lake Kivu is one of Africa's most beautiful and least-talked-about lakes. Stretching along Rwanda's western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a dramatic, serene, and surprisingly accessible escape from Kigali. And the drive to get there is genuinely spectacular.
Here is everything you need to know before you make the journey with your rental car from Rent Cars Kigali.
Which Route — Northern or Southern?
Northern Route: Kigali ? Musanze ? Rubavu (Gisenyi)
Distance: ~160km | Time: 2.5–3 hours
This is the most popular and most scenic route. The road goes north through Rulindo's tea plantations, through Musanze at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, then descends dramatically to Rubavu/Gisenyi on the northern shore. The final descent with the lake suddenly appearing below you is a genuinely breathtaking moment.
Southern Route: Kigali ? Huye ? Kibuye ? Rusizi
Distance: ~280km to Kibuye | Time: 4–5 hours
Longer, less traveled, and arguably even more beautiful in sections. The road south of Kigali through Huye then west along the lake's southern shore via Kibuye is one of Rwanda's most dramatic drives — narrow clifftop roads above the lake. Requires confidence and a 4x4.
What to See Along the Northern Route
- Rulindo Tea Plantations — 45 minutes from Kigali. Stunning green terraced hillsides, great photo stop.
- Musanze Town — Natural lunch stop. 2.5 hours from Kigali.
- Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo — 20 minutes detour from Musanze. Two crater lakes ringed by volcanic peaks. Extraordinary.
- Musanze Caves — Ancient volcanic lava tubes, 40-minute visit.
- First Lake Kivu View — As you descend into Rubavu. Pull over at the viewpoint — spectacular.
Rubavu (Gisenyi) — What to Do
- Swimming at Serena Beach or Palm Beach — the lake water is clean and swimmable
- Boat trips on the lake — hire from the beach
- Sunset drinks on a lakeside terrace with the DRC across the water
- Walking the Congo border (the border runs through the shared market area)
- Kibuye area — further south, quieter, very beautiful
Is Lake Kivu Safe to Swim In?
Yes — with context. Lake Kivu is notable for containing dissolved CO? and methane gases deep in its waters (hence its name — "Kivu" relates to the lake's special properties). However, these gases remain safely stratified at depth and do not affect the surface water where swimming occurs. The surface water is clean, fresh, and free of bilharzia (schistosomiasis) — which is a risk in many African lakes but not Kivu. Swimming at designated beach areas is safe and popular with locals and tourists alike.
Which Side of the Lake to Stay?
- Rubavu/Gisenyi (north): Easiest to reach from Kigali, most tourist infrastructure, best sunset views facing south across the lake
- Kibuye (central west shore): Quieter, more remote feel, beautiful scenery, fewer crowds
- Rusizi/Cyangugu (south): Remote, near Nyungwe Forest — good for those combining lake with chimpanzee trekking
Which Car for the Lake Kivu Drive?
The northern route (via Musanze) is excellent tarmac — even a Toyota Corolla handles it perfectly. If you plan the clifftop southern route or want to explore off-road around the lake's shores, upgrade to a RAV4.
Ready for Rwanda's most scenic drive? Book your Lake Kivu road trip car today — we deliver the night before so you can leave early and catch the best light.
