RUBAVU / LAKE KIVU

Those who seek a relaxing time after the mountain gorillas need not look very far. Rubavu is located an hour away from the Volcanoes National Park, and on Lake Kivu. Rubavu is a charming city to explore on foot, full of busting markets and local cuisine.

Rubavu also marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail, which extends 227 km to Rusizi, and has plenty of biking and hiking trails to fulfill those who crave the some more adventure. Rubavu is also known for its agrotourism experiences, with many tea and coffee plantations nearby.

Activities in the Rubavu/Lake Kivu area include:

• Visiting the Beach:

  Beach days can be filled with water sports (equipment can be rented from hotels), beach sports, kayaking, fishing or boat tours.

• Hiking:

  Some of the many trails in the region include the Congo Nile Trail, Rubavu Hill, Rubona Hill, and Nyamyumba.

• Hot Springs:

  Visit the hot spring at the Residence of Bishop Bigirumwami for a local insight on how Rwandans use this natural resource in a sustainable and community supportive way.

• Tea and Coffee experiences:

  Tea and coffee plantations fill the landscape, and visitors have the opportunity to see firsthand how tea and coffee are made.

• Gishwati Forest:

  This beautiful forest hosts activities such as the exciting chimpanzee tracking, nature walking and birding.

• Community Based Tourism initiatives:

  Examples of the community based tourism initiatives include Pottery Craft shops located throughout Rubavu and the KIAKA cooperative which engages visitors in local Rwandan traditions.