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Lake Kivu and Karongi Region

Overview

Stretching along Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, framed by rolling green hills, tropical vegetation, and peaceful fishing villages. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters, safe swimming conditions, and dramatic sunset views. It offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure within Rwanda’s safari circuit.
On the eastern shores of Lake Kivu lies Karongi, the most popular lakeside destination for travelers. Formerly known as Kibuye, Karongi is a tranquil resort town known for luxury lodges, island boat safaris, cultural sites, and breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. It is the ideal place to unwind after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.

Activities & wildlife Experience in Akagera National Park

Scenic Beauty & Lakeside Relaxation

Lake Kivu is celebrated for its calm waters, pebble beaches, forested slopes, and postcard-perfect scenery. Unlike many African lakes, it has no dangerous currents or aggressive wildlife, making it safe for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Karongi’s peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for honeymooners, leisure travelers, photographers, and those seeking quiet luxury in nature. Sunsets over the lake are legendary, painting the sky in deep gold and crimson as fishermen return in traditional wooden boats.

Boat Safaris & Island Exploration

Boat cruises on Lake Kivu are one of the region’s most rewarding experiences. These guided excursions take visitors across tranquil waters to hidden islands, fishing villages, and scenic bays deep within the surrounding hills.

Popular highlights include:

  • Visits to traditional fishing communities
  • Island hopping and swimming stops
  • Scenic picnic experiences
  • Birdlife observation along forested shorelines

Each cruise reveals a different side of Lake Kivu’s natural and cultural charm.

Water Sports & Adventure Activities

 

For active travelers, Lake Kivu offers a refreshing range of water-based adventures. These include kayaking along the shoreline, paddleboarding, swimming, and relaxed lakeside cycling routes through Karongi’s scenic hills.

The calm waters and peaceful environment make it ideal for beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Experiences & Local Life

The Karongi region is deeply connected to traditional fishing culture and lakeside living. Guided community visits allow travelers to interact with fishermen, visit local homes, explore marketplaces, and learn about traditional boat-building techniques.

These cultural encounters provide meaningful interaction with local communities while supporting community-based tourism and sustainable livelihoods.

Best Time to Visit Lake Kivu & Karongi

Lake Kivu is a year-round destination, but the most popular travel months fall during the dry seasons:

  • June to September
  • December to February

These months offer clearer skies, warm temperatures, and ideal conditions for lake activities and photography. The green season is also beautiful, especially for travelers seeking fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

How to Get to Lake Kivu & Karongi

Karongi is accessible by road from Kigali in approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills and tea-growing regions. It is also easily combined with Nyungwe Forest, which lies further south along the same lake system. We provides comfortable private transfers with professional guides for seamless travel.

Accommodation in Lake Kivu & Karongi

Accommodation ranges from luxury lakeside resorts to stylish mid-range lodges and comfortable guesthouses, all offering stunning lake views and peaceful surroundings.

Options include:

  • Luxury eco-resorts with private beaches
  • Mid-range lakeside lodges
  • Comfortable budget hotels and guesthouses

Coffee Experiences & Hillside Landscapes

The hills surrounding Lake Kivu are home to thriving coffee plantations. Visitors can take guided coffee tours to see the whole process from harvest to roasting, followed by tastings of Rwanda’s world-class Arabica coffee.  Combined with scenic viewpoints over the lake, these hillside experiences are both educational and visually spectacular.

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Director/Sales & Marketing: Tusiime Cheryl Myra

Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.

Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.

Founder & CEO: Christer Torstensson

Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.

During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.

Founder & CEO: Ayebale Olive

Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.

It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.

As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences