From Kigali Lake Kivu Full Day Tour with Private Boat Cruise

12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Journey from Kigali into Rwanda's dramatic Western Province on this private, full-day guided tour to Lake Kivu. Drive through a landscape of terraced hillsides and traditional rural villages, stopping to photograph the thundering Ndaba Rock & Waterfalls and the castle-like Château Le Marara estate. The centerpiece of the day is a private cruise across Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes, gliding past Peace Island and Monkey Island, where free-roaming primates inhabit the forested shores. Depending on season and conditions, you may also spot a phenomenon found almost nowhere else on Earth: local cows swimming across the open lake. Your professional, multilingual driver-guide handles all logistics, keeping the day flexible and personalized to your group. With round-trip private transport, a boat cruise, and expert guiding all included, this is one of the most rewarding day trips available from Kigali.

What's Included

Chilled mineral water throughout the journey
Professional multilingual driver-guide (English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili)
Photo stop at Ndaba Rock & Waterfalls
Private Lake Kivu boat cruise (Monkey Island & Peace Island)
Lunch
Breakfast
Photo stop at Château Le Marara
Round-trip private transportation from Kigali
All local taxes and fees
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Gratuities for guide and driver (optional, at your discretion)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Hotel or home pickup available on request

Itinerary

Duration: 12 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Kigali

    Departure from Kigali Duration: Departure point Pickup at 06:00 AM from Amahoro Stadium / BK Arena, Kigali. Home or hotel pickup available on request at booking.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Coffee Stop, Musambira A comfortable mid-drive break at a local café in Musambira to stretch your legs and get your day started. Coffee and refreshments at own expense.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    A scenic stop at this iconic natural landmark — dramatic rock formations and waterfalls perfect for photography. Free to explore.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Photo opportunity at this unique castle-like luxury estate on the shores of Lake Kivu. Entry inside the property is optional and at own expense.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Free time in Kibuye town to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Not included — your guide can recommend options nearby.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Lake Kivu Rwanda

    Board your private boat for a cruise past Peace Island and Monkey Island on Lake Kivu. Watch for primates along the forested shores and look out for the famous lake-swimming cows (seasonal, not guaranteed).

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Kigali (Pass by)

    Direct return route to Kigali. Arrive in the early evening.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Love Rwanda

Tags

Day Cruises
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Lunch Cruises
Brunch Cruises
Water Tours
Breakfast Cruises
Car Tours
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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