Rwanda’s top spot for an inland ‘beach’ holiday, the golden sands, swaying palms, and crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu offer some beautiful spots to kick back, relax, and soak up some sun.
One of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Kivu’s filigreed coastline dotted with deep-water bays are an ideal place to escape after an unforgettable mountain gorilla tracking safari, and nowhere is its beauty better appreciated than at Gisenyi or Kibuye.
For a few days of pure relaxation, head to the town of Gisenyi, whose laid-back, go with the flow ambience, friendly people, and pleasant climes make it an ideal place to unwind. Stroll along the palm-lined streets with their beautiful colonial buildings or head to the bustling market for a flash of culture.
Even more carefree and relaxed than Gisenyi, Kibuye’s is a gem in Rwanda’s crown with scenery that is simply breathtaking. A fjord-like coastline of inlets and bays tucked between long spiny fingers of land on which hotels and restaurants perch, is lapped by the blue-green waters of the lake, and offers spectacular sundowner-sipping views of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the far distance.