Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, cradled high among the green hills and volcanoes on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the great lakes of Africa and among the most beautiful, its calm, deep blue waters set against a backdrop of terraced hillsides and, to the north, the smoking cone of Nyiragongo. Dotted with islands and fringed by lively lakeside towns such as Goma and Bukavu, it offers a serene and scenic contrast to the wild volcanoes and rainforests of the region. Boat trips, swimming in its bilharzia-free waters, and views of the volcanoes make Kivu a relaxing and lovely counterpoint to the adventures of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega nearby.

What you actually see

• The blue lake - the calm, deep waters among green hills.
• The volcano views - the smoking cone of Nyiragongo to the north.
• The islands - the scattered isles for boat trips.
• The lakeside towns - the lively shores of Goma and Bukavu.

When to go

The drier seasons, roughly June to September and December to February, are the most pleasant for boat trips and lakeside relaxation, with clearer skies for the volcano views; the highland setting keeps the lake temperate year-round. Sunsets over the water and volcanoes are a highlight.

Honest expectations

Kivu is a scenic, relaxing lake whose lakeside towns are busy working cities rather than resorts, so its appeal is the beautiful setting, boat trips and volcano views more than developed tourism. As one of the great lakes of Africa, a serene expanse of blue water among green hills and volcanoes, though, Lake Kivu is a genuinely lovely and refreshing counterpoint to the region's wild parks.

Nearby

The parks of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega, and the cities of Goma and Bukavu, lie nearby.