One of East Africa's largest lakes, Lake Kivu, is located between Rwanda to the east and Congo (Kinshasa) to the west. It has a total area of 2,700 km2, is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, and boasts deep, emerald-green waterways. The sixth-biggest lake in Africa, it is also the largest lake in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is a terrific area to spend a few days just taking in the tranquility of one of Africa's most beautiful regions. It is ideally situated as a resting point between the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest National Park. When you're not lounging by the pool, you'll have plenty to do with the availability of kayaking, cultural trips, and boat cruises.

Beautiful beaches, peninsulas, and islands like the Idjwi, Goma (Congo), and Bukavu (Congo) surround Lake Kivu to form an archipelago. Lake Kivu is home to the tenth-largest inland island in the world. The fact that this lake has a substantial amount of methane gas makes it important. A methane extraction facility with an estimated 65 cubic kilometers of methane is located within the lake. A number of companies currently employ methane, which was once extracted from the Bralirwa Brewery in Gisenyi and used to power boilers there. Even more carbon dioxide is present. With the nine notable volcanoes in the Virunga Range, the entire region is volcanic.

The Serena Hotel, a luxurious hotel with a beach in front, is located close to Gisenyi at the northern end of the lake. Here, guests may relax in a tropical setting while swimming, boating, skiing, and engaging in other sports and spa treatments. There are also a few more modest lodgings with magnificent vistas of the lake and its smaller islands. These islands include Tshegera and Idjwi. On both the Congo and Rwanda sides of the lake, there are numerous communities, notably Gisenyi, Cyangugu, and Kibuye. A weekend visit to Lake Kivu is the ideal way to cap off a safari in Rwanda. The majority of visitors stay in one of the larger lakeside communities or at a resort farther from any residential areas, like Kinunu Guest House or Rushel Kivu Lodge.

Location: Border of Rwanda and Congo

The Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes, which are lovely lakes, is located between Musanze, a town well known for hosting tourists interested in mountain gorilla hiking, and the Cyanika border with Uganda. They are among the nation's water resources as well as the best lakes to visit in Rwanda. Due to their proximity, which is only a 1 km broad strip of land separates them, these twin lakes are known as twin lakes. The overall area that the twin lakes lie on is around 2,800 hectares, although at other points they unite to spill into one another.

A trip to the twin lakes is restorative and revitalizing because you can take in the lake's gorgeous blue waters and the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, which provide a stunning backdrop. A photograph taken at the vantage point would make a wonderful backdrop in real life. The twin lakes' surroundings are covered with flora and some farmland, which is a popular habit among Rwandans. The lush greenery complements the blue water. The twin lakes are at their best on a clear, mist-free day. Due to the twin lakes' elevation above sea level, the area around them is frequently shrouded in mist. Any of the Rwanda safaris we provide can include a stop at Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, especially those that are going to the west of the country, such as following a mountain gorilla trek, a trip to the Volcanoes national park, or even a stay at Lake Kivu.

When you go to Lake Burera and Ruhondo, there are lots of things you may do. While visiting the twin lakes, you may go bird watching because the observation point is an excellent place to do it and you will see a variety of birds there. In addition, visitors to Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo have the option of taking a boat ride on the lakes to one of the many viewing areas where they may take in the views of the lakes and their surroundings. You can choose to go canoeing using the local dugout canoes, which can be rented from the recreation centers in the area. You will have to paddle yourself up to the many islands on the twin lakes.

Location: Northern Rwanda

Lake Muhazi is a long thin shallow lake in the east of Rwanda. The western end of the lake serves as a border between the Northern and Kigali Provinces, with most of the lake located in the Eastern Province. It is a lake in a flooded valley that primarily runs east to west but also has many branches running north to south that were once tributaries. One of the freshwater lakes that may be found year-round in Rwanda and one of the country's best-kept secrets is Lake Munazi. Choose the adventure package from among the several Rwanda tour packages if you want to have a fantastic time while visiting Rwanda since you will get the chance to explore a variety of water bodies. The package will make sure you participate in activities like hiking the Virunga Mountains, exploring the various water bodies, and other intriguing features.

One of the enjoyable activities that visitors can partake in to have a great time is fishing at the lake. Among the fish types that may be caught in the lake are blue-spotted tilapia, Nile tilapia, and marbled lungfish. What's fascinating about the activity is that you get to keep part of the fish you catch, so you can prepare them at your resort and enjoy the results of your labor. You will also have the opportunity to go birding at the lake because there are numerous water birds that can be seen trying to catch fish from the lake while others can be seen flying over the lake in search of potential prey. Other bird species can also be seen building nests in the trees near the lake's shores, including the scarlet-chested cormorant, the African Fish eagle, the Common Waxbill, and the yellow-billed stork.

The seeds of peace center, which provides lodging options and a beach, is one of the lake's two main resorts. Travelers to Rwanda utilize these as stopovers on their way to and from Akagera National Park, which is renowned for its wildlife viewing. Boating, fishing, and bird watching are also available. Travelers can stay in campsites at the Rwesero beach, which is situated on the park's northeastern borders.

Location: Eastern Rwanda

In the savanna section of Rwanda's Eastern province, south of Akagera National Park, is where you'll find Lake Ihema. Aside from fish, the lake has a diverse animal population that includes hippopotami and crocodiles. Regarding birds, it boasts 550 species, including some unusual ones like the Papyrus Gonolek and the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) (Laniarius mufumbiro). The ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, plover (Charadriidae), sandpipers, malachite kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), hawk, and numerous more species are among the endemic species.

Papyrus swamps that are both perennial and seasonal surround the lake, improving the habitat's adaptability for the variety of animals and birds that inhabit the lake and its surrounds. The swamps create suitable wetlands that serve as wildlife habitats throughout the park. The many different bird species that reside in the park, particularly in the water, also have habitats in the marshes.Visitors must travel to Akagera National Park in order to take a boat tour around Lake Ihema, which is within the park. You can travel there by road in a private vehicle for two to three hours east of Kigali city. There are buses that go to the park as well, but as they don't have a set timetable, they might not get you there in time for your boat excursion. Tilapias are the most prevalent fish in the lake, and spot fishing is also organized and permitted for interested tourists. Visitors are asked to bring equipment with them in order to participate in the activity.

Location: Eastern Rwanda