Calm waters and quiet shores in the Albertine Rift
Lake Kivu lies along Rwanda's western border in the Albertine Rift, a deep freshwater lake ringed by terraced hills. Gisenyi, also called Rubavu, has sandy lakeside beaches, while Kibuye and Cyangugu are quieter, with boat trips to islands in the lake. The Congo Nile Trail follows the shore for more than 200 kilometres and can be cycled or hiked over several days. It is a natural place to rest after gorilla trekking, a few hours' drive to the north-east.